Kogi senator commends Tinubu’s state of emergency Rivers, calls it a timely intervention

Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as a necessary step to protect Nigeria’s economy and maintain political stability.

In a statement released on Friday in Lokoja, Karimi stated that the President acted in accordance with the constitution and in the best interest of both Rivers State and the nation.

He noted that suspending the political actors from both factions was essential to de-escalating tensions in the state.

“President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State has significant political and economic safeguards for both the state and the country at large,” Karimi stated.

The senator noted the deteriorating security situation in Rivers, including reports of pipeline bombings and rising tensions, as factors that necessitated the President’s intervention.

“No President or government worth its name would fold its arms and watch a political situation deteriorate as we saw in Rivers State. We witnessed pipeline bombings, increasing insecurity, and an environment of fear. The President had to act,” he said.

Karimi also recalled Tinubu’s previous attempts to mediate between the warring factions, including the 2023 truce meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, where an eight-point agenda was agreed upon.

However, he lamented that the situation worsened despite these efforts, leading to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly building and governance by only three legislators.

“With the Supreme Court ruling favoring the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, the crisis escalated, pushing the state toward a dangerous confrontation. Had the President not stepped in, there would have been more destruction, killings, and economic losses for the country,” Karimi warned.

He further defended Tinubu’s actions by referencing past emergency declarations, including those imposed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in states affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

He argued that while those cases were rooted in security threats, Rivers’ situation was primarily political, warranting a different approach.

“It was the proper thing to do to suspend the political actors in both factions to allow tensions to subside. Nigerians should appreciate the President for his decisive action,” he added.

Karimi assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would review the emergency rule as soon as stability returns to Rivers State.