In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected officials in the state.
The declaration, announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, follows months of political turmoil and legal battles that have crippled governance in the oil-rich state.
President Tinubu, in his address, expressed deep concern over the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State, citing the inability of key stakeholders to resolve their differences despite numerous interventions.
According to him, the lingering conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—had brought governance to a standstill.
“For months, I have watched with concern, hoping that good sense would prevail. However, all efforts—both mine and those of well-meaning Nigerians—have failed to resolve the crisis,” Tinubu lamented.
He further accused the Rivers State government of undermining democratic governance, particularly referencing the controversial demolition of the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023, which, he noted, had yet to be rebuilt.
The president highlighted a recent Supreme Court ruling that declared the collapse of the legislative arm unconstitutional, warning that the state could not continue to function without a fully operational government.
Beyond the political impasse, Tinubu cited serious security concerns, including threats from militants and vandalism of oil pipelines.
He accused Governor Fubara of failing to take decisive action to maintain law and order, stating that recent intelligence reports indicated increased sabotage of critical infrastructure.
The president also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling of February 28, 2025, which had criticized Fubara’s administration for undermining legislative authority and running the state unilaterally.
The ruling had affirmed that the defected 27 lawmakers remained valid members of the House of Assembly and should be allowed to function.
However, Tinubu lamented that the governor had failed to facilitate the passage of an appropriation bill, further deepening the constitutional crisis.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu declared a state of emergency with immediate effect, suspending Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected lawmakers for an initial six-month period.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the president announced.
He clarified that while the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function, the newly appointed administrator would oversee the executive and legislative arms.
However, he assured that no new laws would be made under the emergency rule, except for necessary regulations, which would require Federal Executive Council approval.
This decision marks a significant intervention by the federal government in the governance of Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile regions.
The move is expected to spark debates over executive authority, state autonomy, and the balance of power within Nigeria’s federal system.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly in compliance with constitutional requirements. Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore order and compel all political actors in Rivers State to uphold constitutional principles.
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