President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and constitutional violations. In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the crisis, which has paralyzed governance and deprived citizens of democratic dividends.
He highlighted the Governor’s demolition of the State House of Assembly in December 2023 and failure to rebuild it, despite judicial and political interventions. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the state’s governance had collapsed due to the absence of a functioning legislature, further affirming constitutional breaches by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Additionally, security reports revealed rising militant activity, including vandalism of oil pipelines, with no action taken by the governor. Given these challenges, Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency.
As a result, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly are suspended for an initial six-month period. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. However, the judiciary remains unaffected and will continue its functions.
The declaration, now published in the Federal Gazette and sent to the National Assembly, aims to restore peace, governance, and security in Rivers State. Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would uphold constitutional order and serve as a reminder of democratic responsibilities.
