President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing persistent political turmoil and threats to governance and security. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) has been appointed as Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance during the emergency period. The President emphasized that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function without disruption.
Reasons for the State of Emergency
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the prolonged crisis in Rivers State, noting that efforts by the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict had been ignored. He cited the December 2023 demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Fubara and the governor’s failure to rebuild the legislative chamber as a major constitutional violation.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, 2025, had declared that governance in Rivers State was unconstitutional due to the absence of a functional legislature. The court ruled that the governor had deliberately collapsed the legislative arm to govern without checks and balances.
Adding to the crisis, President Tinubu stated that recent security reports revealed acts of vandalism, including the destruction of oil pipelines by militants, who had reportedly issued threats against individuals opposing Governor Fubara. The President accused the governor of failing to take action against these threats, raising concerns about law and order in the state.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The President invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the state of emergency. The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, as required by law.
While emphasizing that the emergency rule was a last resort, Tinubu assured that it was not a military takeover but a constitutional intervention to restore democratic governance in Rivers State. He clarified that the Administrator would not enact new laws but could issue regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and the President.
Implications for Rivers State
With this emergency declaration:
Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and all House of Assembly members are suspended for six months.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) will oversee governance in Rivers State.
The judiciary remains functional.
Security agencies have been directed to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace, order, and democratic governance in Rivers State, urging all stakeholders to respect the constitution and work towards stability.
Reactions and Political Fallout
The declaration has already sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. While some political analysts and opposition figures criticized the move, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy, others, particularly within the ruling party, praised it as necessary to prevent further lawlessness.
The National Assembly is expected to debate the declaration in the coming days, determining whether the emergency rule will be extended beyond the initial six-month period.
As Rivers State navigates this unprecedented situation, all eyes remain on how the intervention unfolds and whether it will lead to lasting peace or further deepen political tensions in the oil-rich state.
