On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, following an ongoing crisis and a series of judicial findings pointing to constitutional breaches by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Earlier, President Tinubu convened a high-level emergency meeting with National Assembly leaders and key security officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting was prompted by the escalating political tensions in Rivers State and a recent pipeline explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, which further raised security concerns in the region.
In a televised address, President Tinubu explained that the decision to declare a state of emergency became unavoidable after the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State failed to request his intervention, as required by the Constitution. He emphasized that no responsible leader would stand by while the situation in Rivers continued to deteriorate.
Reflecting on the political crisis, the President noted: “I have watched with concern the developments in Rivers State, hoping that reason would prevail. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, and the crisis has hindered the state’s progress, denying the people the benefits of democratic governance.”
Tinubu also referred to the unlawful demolition of the state’s House of Assembly by the Governor on December 13, 2023, which remains unrepaired 14 months later. Despite efforts to mediate, the conflict persisted, with no resolution in sight. He acknowledged the interventions of well-meaning Nigerians but expressed frustration that they had been largely ignored.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a judgment regarding the political crisis, condemning the Governor’s unconstitutional actions and ruling that Rivers State had effectively ceased to function as a government. The Court’s ruling found that the Governor had unlawfully collapsed the legislature, resulting in a breakdown of governance in the state. The Court also ruled that 27 members of the House of Assembly, who had allegedly defected, remained valid members and should participate in legislative proceedings.
Despite the Court’s directive for the House to pass an Appropriation Bill, this action has not been taken. Moreover, security reports show rising militant activity in the state, with incidents of pipeline vandalization, yet the Governor has failed to take appropriate action.
In light of these developments, President Tinubu reiterated that no responsible leader could allow the situation to continue unchecked. He invoked the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective March 18, 2025. As part of this declaration, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and all elected members of the House of Assembly are suspended for an initial six-month period.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during this period. The Administrator will be responsible for the state’s administration but will not make new laws without Federal Executive Council approval.
This state of emergency declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution. President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace, order, and governance in Rivers State, reinforcing the constitutional obligations of all political actors in the state.
Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
