March 20, 2025 – Nigerian lawmakers have approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state, an oil-producing region in the Niger Delta, amid concerns over political unrest and pipeline vandalism.
The decision, endorsed by both the Senate and House of Representatives, follows Tinubu’s announcement on Tuesday, which also included suspending the opposition governor. The move is intended to curb escalating tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and prevent disruptions to the nation’s oil production.
The crisis in Rivers state has raised alarm over its potential impact on crude exports, especially after an explosion shut down the Trans Niger Pipeline, a key route transporting oil to the Bonny export terminal. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which further fueled concerns over security in the region.
While some opposition lawmakers initially threatened to block the emergency measures, they ultimately backed the proposal, allowing the state of emergency to take effect for six months.
