The Federal Government has deployed 10,000 personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect oil pipelines in Rivers State, following a series of explosions at oil installations between Sunday and Tuesday.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, confirmed the deployment on Wednesday, stating that the operatives were tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure and preventing further acts of vandalism.
“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of national assets across the Niger Delta. Over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to maintain peace and security,” Babawale said.
Emergency Rule Sparks Protests
The deployment of security forces comes amid growing unrest over President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The move, which resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state assembly, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers and labour unions.
President Tinubu, in a national broadcast on Tuesday, announced Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator of Rivers State for an initial six-month period. Ibas was sworn in on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Before the emergency rule was imposed, Rivers State had been tense due to political disputes. The Martin Amaewhule-led State Assembly, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, listing 19 infractions. The impeachment push had triggered threats from Ijaw groups, who warned they would disrupt oil production if Fubara was removed.
Pipeline Explosion and Arrests
Amidst the crisis, an explosion occurred on Sunday at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Security operatives recovered a corpse from the blast site and arrested a suspect linked to the incident.
A staff member of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), who identified himself as Ebikeme, confirmed the arrest.
“On Sunday, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu. A suspected vandal was found dead at the scene. Following further investigation, another suspect was apprehended. He is currently in police custody while investigations continue,” he said.
Heavy Security Presence at Government House
On Wednesday, Governor Fubara vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt, although his exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Meanwhile, security presence at the Government House intensified, with eyewitnesses reporting the arrival of more soldiers.
A close aide to Fubara, speaking anonymously, said, “More soldiers have arrived at the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 entered, and they are believed to be an advance team of the sole administrator. This evening, even more troops came in.”
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National Assembly Set to Debate Emergency Rule
The National Assembly is expected to debate the legality of the emergency rule today. However, tensions ran high in the House of Representatives on Wednesday when lawmakers from opposing sides clashed over the issue.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi confirmed that President Tinubu had sent a letter to the National Assembly regarding the crisis, but the letter was not read during the plenary.
A lawmaker from Ebonyi State, Kama Nkemkanma, was seen banging a table in frustration, saying, “Nothing will happen here today.”
For the emergency rule to stand, at least 73 senators and 240 House members must approve it.
Opposition, Labour Unions Reject Emergency Rule
The declaration of emergency rule has been widely condemned by opposition parties and labour unions, who argue that it is unconstitutional.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists that Governor Fubara remains the legitimate leader of Rivers State. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the president to suspend a governor.
“What President Tinubu is attempting to do is suspend the 1999 Constitution and impose an undemocratic regime,” Ologunagba said.
The PDP has called on the National Assembly to reject the emergency rule and uphold constitutional governance.
Similarly, former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, described the move as a “power grab.” He vowed to rally fellow lawmakers to oppose the emergency rule.
“This action is unconstitutional. Even if an emergency is declared, it does not justify the removal of elected officials. I will work with my colleagues to resist this,” he said.
Labour unions have also voiced strong opposition. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) released a joint statement condemning the emergency rule as “an assault on democracy.”
Amid the controversy, the newly sworn-in sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, has pledged to restore peace and stability in Rivers State.
“Mr. President has made it clear that maintaining law and order is the priority. My administration will work with all stakeholders to ensure stability,” Ibas said.