In a dramatic move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the ongoing political crisis and widespread dysfunction in the state’s governance. Effective today, March 18, 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.
Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast, President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the crisis that has gripped Rivers State for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to mediate, both the state governor and other political leaders have failed to resolve the issues, leaving the state in a state of disarray. The president outlined his frustrations, pointing to the unlawful demolition of the state House of Assembly by the governor in December 2023, which has yet to be rebuilt. He also criticized the governor for neglecting constitutional duties, which led to a breakdown of democratic processes.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court had earlier declared that Rivers State was without a functioning government, as the governor’s actions had effectively collapsed the state’s legislature. The court ordered the restoration of the state’s constitutional democracy, including the passage of an Appropriation Bill by the House of Assembly, which remains unresolved.
Further escalating the situation, militants in the state have engaged in violent acts, including vandalizing oil pipelines, without any intervention from the governor. Security reports from the region have raised serious concerns about the safety of citizens and critical infrastructure.
With the situation deteriorating, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency, aiming to restore order, security, and democratic governance in Rivers State. As part of this intervention, the president has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State. The new administrator will oversee the state’s affairs but will not have the power to enact new laws, only regulations that must be approved by the Federal Executive Council.
This bold step by President Tinubu is seen as a crucial move to restore peace and stability in Rivers State, ensuring that the state’s governance returns to the rule of law and serves the interests of its citizens. The president’s intervention comes at a time when the constitutional crisis in the state has reached a boiling point, leaving many hoping for a resolution that will bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region.
As the state braces for changes, the eyes of the nation are now on how this unprecedented action will unfold. Will the intervention bring Rivers State back from the brink, or will the political crisis deepen? Time will tell.
