Nigeria President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political instability and governance paralysis that have plagued the region. This major announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The move includes the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
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The Presidential Proclamation
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 Nigerian Constitution to justify the declaration. He explained that the persistent crisis in Rivers State had rendered democratic governance impossible, leaving no choice but to step in and restore order. “With all these and many more challenges, 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,” Tinubu stated.
Along with this decisive action, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this transitional period. Tinubu emphasized that the judicial arm of government in Rivers State remains untouched and will continue to function independently.
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Reasons Behind the Declaration
The Rivers State political crisis has been brewing for over a year, with several critical issues coming to a head:
- Demolition of Legislative Infrastructure: In December 2023, Governor Fubara demolished the state House of Assembly building. For over 14 months, the building was not rebuilt, effectively crippling legislative functions.
- Legislative Deadlock: The Rivers State House of Assembly accused Governor Fubara and his deputy of gross misconduct. This led to heightened tensions and the indefinite adjournment of legislative sessions, deepening the governance gap.
- Supreme Court Ruling on Rivers Crisis: On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court declared that governance in Rivers State was unconstitutional due to the collapse of its legislative arm. The ruling stressed that a government cannot function without all three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial.
- Security Concerns: Recent reports highlighted incidents of pipeline vandalism Rivers State, allegedly carried out by militants linked to factions within the state government. The President noted that Governor Fubara had failed to act decisively against these threats.
Failed Mediation Efforts
Despite numerous attempts at mediation by civil society groups, respected community leaders, and even personal interventions by President Tinubu himself, no resolution was reached. “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started,” Tinubu lamented, expressing his disappointment over the failure to mend the deep divisions.
Immediate Implications
Under the state of emergency, several major changes take effect immediately:
- All executive and legislative powers are transferred to the appointed administrator.
- Constitutional procedures are temporarily suspended to allow direct federal control.
- The judicial arm remains operational but will function under federal oversight.
President Tinubu reassured citizens that these measures are temporary and are aimed solely at restoring peace and stability in Rivers State.
Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria:
- Supporters: Many Nigerians have praised Tinubu’s decisive action, saying it is necessary to prevent further deterioration in Rivers State. Some residents expressed hope that federal intervention would bring back effective governance and improved security.
- Critics: Opposition parties and some civil society groups have criticized the move as excessive and potentially unconstitutional. They argue that such federal intervention might set a dangerous precedent for undermining state autonomy.
Background on Political Tensions
The crisis in Rivers State escalated when Governor Fubara clashed with members of the House of Assembly over key issues like budget presentations and governance priorities. In March 2025, lawmakers even locked Governor Fubara out of the Assembly complex during an attempt to present the state budget. The Speaker of the Assembly accused the governor’s administration of sidelining legislators and failing to adhere to constitutional procedures.
Tensions further escalated with reports of militants, allegedly loyal to political factions within the government, threatening violence against individuals seen as enemies. These events have significantly contributed to the current Governor Siminalayi Fubara suspended situation.
Security Measures
In addition to appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator, President Tinubu ordered security agencies to ramp up efforts to ensure public safety and protect critical infrastructure, especially oil pipelines. This action comes amid rising concerns over further incidents of pipeline vandalism Rivers State as the crisis deepens.
Next Steps
The federal government has outlined clear priorities to address the crisis during this state of emergency:
- Restoring Legislative Functions: Rebuilding the House of Assembly infrastructure to revive legislative operations.
- Addressing Security Challenges: Implementing measures to counter militant threats and prevent further incidents of pipeline vandalism.
- Facilitating Dialogue: Encouraging open communication among political stakeholders to pave the way for a peaceful resolution.
Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to work closely with federal authorities to implement these measures while ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of residents.
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Conclusion
This declaration marks one of Nigeria’s most significant federal interventions under President Tinubu. It underscores His commitment to preserving democratic governance, even in the face of severe Nigerian political instability. However, the move also raises important questions about federal-state relations and the constitutional limits on executive power.
As the situation unfolds, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this bold intervention can restore stability to Rivers State or if it will further deepen existing tensions. For now, all eyes are on Rivers State as citizens and political leaders await positive change amid the crisis.
