President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis, security threats, and a breakdown of governance. The announcement, made in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, the President has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State, tasked with restoring peace, governance, and security. However, the judiciary remains unaffected and will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution.
Why the Emergency Rule?
President Tinubu said his decision followed months of failed political interventions and a Supreme Court ruling that declared governance in Rivers State unconstitutional due to the collapse of the legislative arm.
Key issues cited include:
The demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and its failure to be rebuilt.
Political deadlock between Governor Fubara and the legislature, rendering the state ungovernable.
Security threats, including recent pipeline vandalism by militants, without any response from the governor.
Failure to pass an Appropriation Bill, defying Supreme Court directives.
Federal Intervention to Restore Order
Tinubu emphasized that the federal government could no longer stand by as Rivers State descended into lawlessness and economic stagnation. He stated that his administration had exhausted peaceful mediation efforts, and the failure of the governor and his deputy to request intervention, as required by the Constitution, forced him to act.
“This is an extraordinary measure to restore good governance, peace, order, and security in Rivers State,” the President declared.
What Happens Next?
Administrator Ibas will oversee the state but will not enact new laws, except for necessary regulations approved by the Federal Executive Council and the President.
The National Assembly has been notified, as required by the Constitution. The state of emergency will last six months, pending further developments.
President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore stability and serve as a warning to political actors across Nigeria to respect democratic institutions and constitutional governance.