Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers Over Political Crisis
ABUJA/Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a deepening political crisis that has crippled governance and posed security threats in the oil-rich state.
The declaration, which took effect on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, suspends 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.
In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu expressed grave concern over the prolonged political impasse in Rivers, stating that all efforts to mediate between the contending parties had failed. He lamented that the crisis had stalled governance, depriving residents of the benefits of democracy and fostering lawlessness.
“Like many Nigerians, I had hoped that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail, but that hope has been extinguished. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, with the people unable to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said.
The president specifically cited the controversial demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Fubara on December 13, 2023, and the failure to rebuild it over 14 months later as a key factor in his decision. He also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, which declared that governance in the state had collapsed due to constitutional violations by the governor.
Quoting the apex court’s verdict, Tinubu said, “A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.”
The Supreme Court had also ruled that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected were still valid lawmakers and should not be prevented from carrying out their legislative duties. The court further mandated the immediate passage of an appropriation bill, which has yet to be facilitated.
The president noted with concern reports of militant threats and pipeline vandalization within the last 48 hours, which he said the governor had failed to address. He assured residents that security agencies had been directed to maintain peace and protect critical infrastructure.
“No responsible president would stand by and allow this grave situation to persist. Having soberly reflected on the political situation and the failure of the governor and deputy governor to request my intervention as required by the Constitution, I have invoked Section 305 to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State,” Tinubu announced.
To oversee the state’s affairs, the president appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the administrator, with a mandate to restore constitutional order. Tinubu clarified that the state’s judiciary would remain functional and that the administrator would not make new laws but could propose regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, with a copy forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative backing.
“It is my fervent hope that this intervention will restore peace and order in Rivers State and awaken all political actors to the constitutional imperatives binding on them,” Tinubu concluded.
