President Bola Tinubu is currently holding a meeting with the Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting comes amid rising tensions in the South-South region following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Obi Azinge, who was crowned the 14th Asagba of Asaba on August 26, 2024, arrived at the Villa alongside several royal fathers, believed to be members of the Obi-in-Council. While details of the discussion remain undisclosed, sources suggest the visit is linked to growing concerns over the political crisis in Rivers State.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats. As part of the directive, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months. The president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) to oversee the state’s administration until normalcy is restored.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a deepening power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The emergency declaration has drawn mixed reactions across the country, with some Nigerians supporting it as a necessary step to restore order, while others view it as an excessive use of executive power.
The meeting between President Tinubu and the Asagba of Asaba is seen as part of wider consultations to address the unrest in the region. Further developments are expected following their discussions.
