Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, paid a visit to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, at his residence in Abuja on March 18.
The pictures were uploaded to social media by his media assistant, Lere Olayinka, a few hours after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state of Rivers.
Before President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, the Aso Rock Presidential Villa hosted a meeting between President Bola Tinubu, his service chiefs, and the Inspector-General of Police.
Attendees at the meeting also included Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser; Oluwatosin Ajayi, the director general of the department of state services; and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Subsequently, the gathering in the president’s office was joined by Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, and Opeyemi Bamidele, leader of the majority.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective immediately, due to the persistent political crisis in the state. Tinubu expressed concern over the situation, stating that democratic governance cannot thrive in the current environment.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said. He also noted that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, demolished the House of Assembly in December 2023 and has not rebuilt it, despite being 14 months since the incident.”
Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He also nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.
The President emphasized that the declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. He also expressed hope that the intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State.