Why President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara, State Assembly
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and security threats. The decision, announced in a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, results in the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, President Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee governance and restore stability. The judiciary in Rivers State, however, will continue to function without interference.
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the persistent political crisis in Rivers State, which he said had hindered democratic governance and deprived residents of the benefits of democracy. He noted that multiple efforts, including his personal interventions and those of other well-meaning Nigerians, had failed to resolve the conflict.
One of the major constitutional breaches highlighted by the President was the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023. Despite the passage of 14 months, the Assembly had not been reconstructed, effectively crippling the legislative process. The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on February 28, 2025, ruled that the absence of a functioning legislature in Rivers State was unconstitutional, stating:
“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.”
The Supreme Court also ruled that the 27 members of the House of Assembly who had allegedly defected were still valid members and should be allowed to participate in legislative activities. However, President Tinubu noted that the Governor had failed to comply with the court’s directives, including the passage of an Appropriation Bill.
The President further cited rising security threats, including reports of pipeline vandalism by militants in Rivers State. He alleged that some of these militants had issued threats in support of the Governor, yet Governor Fubara had not publicly disowned them.
“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course, given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of oil pipelines,” Tinubu stated.
Implications of the State of Emergency
By invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), President Tinubu has temporarily taken direct federal control over Rivers State. The appointed Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd), will oversee governance but will not have the power to make new laws. However, he may formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and the President.
The President emphasized that this intervention was necessary to restore order and governance, stressing that it was in the best interest of the people of Rivers State. He assured Nigerians that the action does not undermine democracy but rather upholds constitutional principles.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with constitutional requirements. The National Assembly will deliberate on the decision within the stipulated timeframe.
President Tinubu concluded his broadcast by expressing hope that the intervention would bring peace and stability to Rivers State, reinforcing democratic governance across the country.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State in particular, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole,” he stated.
Reactions and Political Implications
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is expected to generate significant political and legal debate, as it is a rare move in Nigeria’s democratic history. While some may view it as a necessary step to restore order, others may challenge its legality and implications for democratic governance.
Further developments will unfold as reactions from political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the National Assembly emerge.
