In a bold move to address the deepening political and constitutional crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The decision, which has sparked widespread debate, was rationalized and justified by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, during a press conference at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19.
Fagbemi provided a detailed explanation of the legal and constitutional basis for the president’s action, emphasizing that the crisis in Rivers State had reached a point where extraordinary measures were necessary to restore order, protect national security, and safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.
*Rationale for the State of Emergency*
The attorney-general outlined the sequence of events that led to the declaration, beginning with the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on February 28, 2025. The court found Governor Siminalayi Fubara guilty of multiple constitutional breaches, including the illegal demolition of the State House of Assembly and the creation of a parallel legislative structure. The court described the governor’s actions as despotic and declared that there was effectively “no government” in Rivers State.
Fagbemi stressed that the president’s decision was not taken lightly but was a necessary response to an unprecedented constitutional crisis. “The president acted as a statesman and a patriot,” he said. “He could not fold his arms and watch the critical economic lifeline of the nation, which is oil production, be criminally tampered with.”
He further explained that the crisis had paralyzed governance in Rivers State, rendering the executive and legislative arms of government dysfunctional. This, he noted, had dire implications for the state’s ability to deliver basic services and maintain security.
*Legal Justification Under Section 305*
Fagbemi emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency was fully grounded in Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the president to take extraordinary measures in times of crisis. He dismissed claims that the president’s decision was hasty or politically motivated, stating that all other avenues for resolution had been exhausted.
“The president had intervened multiple times, attempting to mediate and bring the parties to a resolution,” Fagbemi said. “Well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, and concerned citizens also tried to resolve the matter, but all efforts failed due to the governor’s refusal to comply with constitutional norms.”
He added that the president’s action was timely and proportionate to the threat posed by the crisis. “When do you think he should have acted? When everything had collapsed?” Fagbemi asked rhetorically. “The law envisages that you act when there is imminent danger to the security of lives and property. That is exactly what the president has done.”
*Suspension of Elected Officials*
As part of the state of emergency, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire State House of Assembly were suspended. Fagbemi defended this decision, stating that the governor and lawmakers were directly responsible for the crisis.
“You cannot treat the effect without addressing the cause,” he said. “The governor and the legislature were at the heart of this crisis. To restore order, it was necessary to suspend their functions temporarily.”
He also addressed speculation that the suspension was a compromise to save the governor from impeachment, which had been initiated by the State House of Assembly just a day before the state of emergency was declared. “If the impeachment process had continued, the governor and his deputy would have been removed entirely,” Fagbemi explained. “This could be seen as a compromise, but it was necessary to prevent further chaos.”
*Economic and Security Implications*
Fagbemi highlighted the broader implications of the crisis, particularly its impact on Nigeria’s economy and security. He revealed that under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s daily oil production had increased from 900,000 barrels to 1.5 million barrels, significantly boosting revenue for all states. However, the vandalization of oil pipelines by militants allegedly encouraged by the governor threatened this progress.
“Anyone who touches these pipelines is not only the enemy of Rivers State but also the enemy of Nigeria,” Fagbemi declared. “The president’s decision was anchored on protecting the nation’s economic interests and ensuring that all Nigerians benefit from our oil resources.”
*What Comes Next?*
Fagbemi outlined the steps that would follow the declaration of a state of emergency. A Sole Administrator will be appointed to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. The administrator will have the authority to request and manage state funds to address urgent needs and stabilize the situation.
The attorney-general also expressed hope that the state of emergency would create a platform for dialogue and reconciliation among the people of Rivers State. “The president has intervened multiple times without success,” he said. “Now, it is up to the people of Rivers State to allow good sense to prevail and work towards a resolution.”
He dismissed suggestions that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, would play a role in the reconciliation process, stating that the focus should remain on the people of Rivers State and their elected representatives.
*Addressing Criticisms*
Fagbemi responded to criticisms from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other groups, arguing that the declaration of a state of emergency was justified given the extraordinary nature of the crisis. “Section 305 of the Constitution envisages situations like this, where normal governance structures are suspended to address imminent threats,” he said. “This is not about individuals; it is about protecting the entity called Nigeria.”
He urged critics to channel their concerns to the National Assembly, which has the power to approve or reject the president’s decision within 48 hours. “If the National Assembly believes the president has overreached, they have the constitutional authority to veto his decision,” Fagbemi said. “But until then, we must all support this move in the interest of peace and stability.”
*Conclusion*
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. As the nation awaits the National Assembly’s decision, the focus remains on restoring constitutional order, protecting national security, and ensuring that the people of Rivers State can once again enjoy the dividends of democracy.
For now, the federal government’s message is clear: actions that undermine the Constitution and threaten national unity will not be tolerated, and extraordinary measures will be taken to safeguard the nation’s future.
