TINUBU'S INTERVENTION: Wike-Fubara Feud and Trans-Niger Pipeline explosion
Ongoing crises in Rivers state, Nigeria, involving Pipeline explosion, political tensions and presidential intervention
Emmanuella Olagunju 
Trans-Niger Pipeline(TNP) Explosion
On Tuesday 18th March, explosions reportedly rocked the Trans-Niger Pipeline, affecting the critical export Pipeline that transports crude to the Bonny terminal. The Pipeline is reported to produce 450,000 barrels of oil daily and is at risk of losing that amount daily as the result of the explosion. Also,Nigeria's gas-dependent electricity plants, like the Geometric Power, Aba, have been hit with gas supply shortages after the explosions. The grappling economy of the country is on the verge of hitting another blow given Rivers state's significance as one of the country's economic powerhouses.
Attributed Cause
While no official findings have been made, the cause of the explosions was attributed to the ongoing tension between the governor of Rivers state, Sim Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the former governor of the state. Some sources suggest that the explosion could be a sabotage attempt linked to the political tensions in the state, possibly orchestrated by individuals or groups aligned with one of the factions. The rift between both parties reportedly started in 2023 and has since grown worse into becoming a power tussle. Fubara and Wike have been at loggerheads since the end of the 2023 Rivers state governorship election. Fubara and his deputy were charged with gross misconduct by pro-Wike lawmakers in October, 2023. The latest development in the ongoing power tussle is the move to impeach Fubara.
In a nationwide broadcast, on 18th March, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a State of emergency in Rivers state. He cited the need to address the state's political and governance crisis which according to him was not reported to him officially by the governor of the state in order for him to intervene. This declaration automatically implies the sack of the governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngosi Nma Odu and all elected members of the house of assembly of the state. He also assured Nigerians that the aim of the intervention is to restore good governance and ensure the well-being of Rivers state's people without undermining the democratic process.
Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator
Following the declaration, Tinubu also stated his selection of Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the state. As a former chief of Naval staff, Ibas has served in various capacities in the Nigerian Navy. Tinubu aims to restore stability and security in Rivers state by appointing him. As sole administrator, Ibas will oversee governance and formulate necessary regulations subject to approval by the Federal executive Council and the president. However, he will not have the power to enact new laws.
The House of Representatives
The house of representatives confirmed on Tuesday that the president consulted with them before declaring the state of emergency in reaction to public outbursts that implied that what the president did was not constitutional. Accordingly, on Thursday 20th March, during a plenary session the House of Representatives placed a vote to support or object to the president's declaration. This was after the president formally requested the House's endorsement of the emergency declaration. The session contained 240 lawmakers, which is the required amount to hold a voting session. The majority of the house voted in support of the declaration, therefore granting the president's request.
As the whole event unfolds, what remains to be seen is Where the political war is heading, whether the president's intervention is purely genuine and whether there is no more to it than meets the eye. In all, the country awaits the impact of the intervention and how much stability it bring in Rivers state, as implied by the president.
