Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor, Deputy, and Lawmakers Over Prolonged Political Crisis and Governance Breakdown
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and the breakdown of governance.
In a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, stating:
“Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern, hoping that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail. However, all such hopes have faded, with no resolution in sight.”
The president lamented that the persistent crisis has paralyzed governance, depriving the people of Rivers State of the dividends of democracy. He referenced the destruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, and its failure to be rebuilt 14 months later as a major indication of the breakdown of democratic institutions.
Tinubu further stated that despite multiple interventions from himself, well-meaning Nigerians, and leaders of thought, the crisis remained unresolved. He recalled the Supreme Court judgment of February 28, 2025, which ruled that the state legislature had been unlawfully dismantled by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, effectively rendering the state government dysfunctional. The court emphasized that a government cannot exist without a functioning legislature and described the governor’s actions as unconstitutional.
Despite the court’s orders, which included the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill to restore constitutional governance, Tinubu noted that no action had been taken to comply. He also referenced security threats from militants who had vowed to target perceived opponents of the governor, adding that recent reports indicated acts of pipeline vandalization without any intervention from the state government.
“With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order, and security.”
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the president formally declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective March 18, 2025. As a result, 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.
To manage the affairs of the state, Tinubu announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator. He clarified that the judiciary remains unaffected and will continue to function within its constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. However, he will be free to formulate regulations as may be necessary to fulfill his duties, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.”
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for approval. Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State and reinforce constitutional governance.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State in particular, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.”
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