President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently holding a high-level meeting with the Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The first-class traditional ruler arrived at the Aso Rock premises accompanied by several royal fathers, believed to be members of the Obi-in-Council, marking a significant moment of consultation and unity between traditional institutions and federal authority.
Backdrop: Tensions in the South-South Zone
This diplomatic engagement follows the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State, a move that has triggered widespread reactions across the South-South geopolitical zone.
President Tinubu’s executive action led to the suspension of:
🔹 Governor Siminalayi Fubara
🔹 His deputy
🔹 The entire Rivers State House of Assembly
The initial suspension period was set for six months, during which governance responsibilities have shifted entirely to a new appointee.
To stabilize the situation, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas officially assumed office on Thursday at the Rivers Government House.
👉🏽 See full details on Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara and appointment of Ibas in Rivers State
A New Era for the Asagba of Asaba
Professor Epiphany Azinge became the 14th Asagba of Asaba after his coronation on August 26, 2024. A legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), his presence at the meeting underscores the cultural and diplomatic weight of the moment.
This marks his first official visit to the Presidential Villa since his ascension to the throne.
👉🏽 Read the official announcement on the State House website
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