By Seyi Babalola
Former Nigerian Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode claims that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State because “when children refuse to stop fighting, the father must step in lest they burn the house down.”
Tinubu announced the decision on a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.
In addition, Tinubu suspended all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and named Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as administrator to oversee the state’s activities.
Fubara has been embroiled in a political spat with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, who is presently Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Fani-Kayode wrote on X: “The declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) in Rivers State is a bold and commendable move that will return sanity to the peace and stability of the state.
“I also believe this will go a long way in bringing all the major players in the conflict back to their senses.
“When children refuse to stop fighting, the father must step in lest they burn the house down.”