In an unprecedented move aimed at restoring constitutional order and good governance, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, following the prolonged political crisis that has paralyzed governance and threatened public safety in the state.
Addressing the nation, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the political crisis that has engulfed Rivers State, lamenting the inability of the contending parties to resolve their differences despite several interventions from well-meaning Nigerians and himself. The President noted that the crisis has rendered the state government dysfunctional, depriving the people of Rivers State of the dividends of democracy.
The crisis reached a boiling point when Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on December 13, 2023, demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly building, a structure that has yet to be rebuilt 14 months after the incident. Despite multiple efforts to mediate, including interventions from national leaders and patriotic groups, no resolution has been achieved.
Supreme Court Ruling and Grave Constitutional Breaches
The declaration followed a landmark Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, in which the apex court condemned the Governor’s actions, stating that no government could exist without one of the three arms of government as mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The judgment criticized the Governor for deliberately collapsing the legislative arm, effectively ruling as a despot.
The Supreme Court also reaffirmed the membership of 27 lawmakers who had allegedly defected, ruling that they remained valid members of the House of Assembly. It further directed the immediate passage of an Appropriation Bill, which has yet to be actualized.
President Tinubu also raised concerns about security in the state, revealing that militant groups have been vandalizing oil pipelines without any intervention from the state government. He assured Nigerians that he has given strict instructions to security agencies to safeguard lives and critical infrastructure.
State of Emergency Proclaimed
In light of the situation, President Tinubu announced the declaration of a state of emergency under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), effectively suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To ensure the continuation of governance, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas will oversee the administration of the state, focusing on restoring peace, order, and governance. The judicial arm of the state remains unaffected and will continue to function constitutionally.
The Administrator will not enact new laws but may issue necessary regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
President Tinubu emphasized that this decisive action is intended to restore peace and constitutional order, allowing Rivers State to move forward. He expressed hope that the intervention would awaken political actors to their constitutional responsibilities and reaffirmed his commitment to a united, peaceful, and democratic Nigeria.
