In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following months of political turmoil that has shaken the oil-rich region since September 2023. The announcement, made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, has sent shockwaves through the country. Tinubu’s decision suspends Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The President has appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), to serve as the state’s administrator during this emergency rule. The move comes as part of the constitutional powers granted to the President by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution under Section 305. The law allows the President to declare a state of emergency when certain conditions are met, with the proclamation needing approval from the National Assembly, where a two-thirds majority vote is required to validate the declaration.
This recent action marks the fourth instance of a state of emergency being declared in Nigeria since the return to democratic rule in 1999. Let’s explore some other notable occasions when emergency rule was enforced:
- Plateau State (2004)
In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State following a devastating wave of ethno-religious violence. The violence led to numerous deaths and the destruction of properties, forcing the suspension of the governor and state assembly. Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed as the administrator to restore order in the region.
- Ekiti State (2006)
A political crisis in Ekiti State in October 2006 led to the imposition of emergency rule after the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. The dispute created political instability and chaos, prompting President Obasanjo to intervene by appointing Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) as administrator until peace was restored.
- Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
In May 2013, the escalating Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast prompted President Goodluck Jonathan to declare a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. This marked a significant shift from previous instances, as governors and state assemblies were not suspended. Instead, the federal government deployed military forces and imposed curfews to tackle insurgent activities.
Since 1999, these declarations of emergency rule have been a critical part of Nigeria’s political landscape. Whether prompted by violent conflict, leadership crises, or national security threats, each of these moments has reshaped the country’s approach to governance during times of instability. With Tinubu’s recent declaration in Rivers, it’s clear that the power of emergency rule remains an essential tool for Nigeria’s leadership in addressing political and security challenges.
As tensions rise and the nation watches, only time will tell what impact this new emergency rule will have on Rivers State and the broader political climate in Nigeria.
