Nigeria declares state of emergency in Rivers State over pipeline vandalism

Nigeria’s leader declared an emergency in oil-rich Rivers state and suspended its governor and lawmakers Tuesday over a political crisis and vandalism to pipelines that contribute to the country’s status as Africa’s top oil producer.

This follows warnings by Nigerian rebel group, Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), who threatened to attack oil installations if the federal government maintains its decision not to disperse funds for the Rivers State

Reports indicate that the crisis in Rivers has brewed for months between incumbent Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers, many of whom are backed by his predecessor.

This week, some lawmakers initiated an impeachment process against the governor, accusing him of various illegalities regarding the presentation of the state budget and the composition of the legislative chamber.

President Bola Tinubu said in a state broadcast he was suspending the governor and other elected officials, including the state lawmakers, for six months.