President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and security threats. The decision, announced in a nationwide broadcast, resulted in the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The crisis in Rivers State dates back to December 13, 2023, when Governor Fubara ordered the demolition of the state’s House of Assembly complex. This move followed the defection of 27 Assembly members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), intensifying tensions between the executive and legislative branches. The governor later relocated legislative proceedings to the Government House auditorium, citing fire damage to the original assembly complex.
Despite interventions from national leaders and judicial bodies, the conflict has persisted. On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the governor’s actions had effectively crippled governance in Rivers State. “A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state,” the Court stated, declaring that the absence of a functioning legislature rendered the state’s administration unconstitutional.
Further compounding the crisis, recent security reports have highlighted an increase in militant activity, including the vandalization of oil pipelines. According to President Tinubu, these security breaches have gone unaddressed by the state government, posing a significant threat to residents and national economic interests.
“In the face of such grave circumstances, no responsible President can stand by without taking remedial steps,” Tinubu said in his address. “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency.”
To oversee the administration of Rivers State during this period, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s Administrator. While Ibas will not have legislative powers, he will be permitted to formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President. The judiciary remains unaffected by the declaration and will continue to function independently.
The President expressed hope that this intervention would restore stability and reinforce constitutional governance in Rivers State. “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable action will help restore peace and order,” Tinubu stated, urging all political stakeholders to adhere to democratic principles.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification, in accordance with constitutional requirements.
