President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.
Tinubu announced the declaration in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, following months of escalating tensions in the oil-rich state.
The President cited constitutional breaches, legislative collapse, and worsening insecurity as key factors necessitating the intervention.
“With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.
“Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same.
“I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them,” he said.
The crisis, which began in December 2023, intensified after the demolition of the state House of Assembly by the governor, rendering the legislative arm of government non-functional for over a year.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment on February 28, 2025, declared that Rivers State was effectively without a functioning government, warning that governance under such conditions amounted to despotism.
Tinubu revealed that despite personal interventions and mediation efforts by well-meaning Nigerians, including prominent leaders and civil society groups, all attempts to resolve the crisis had been ignored by the warring factions.
Adding to the instability, recent security reports indicated a surge in militant activities, including pipeline vandalism, with the state government failing to take action.
Tinubu expressed deep concern over reports of armed groups threatening violence against perceived opponents of the governor, further aggravating tensions.
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, The president justified the state of emergency as a last resort to restore order, peace, and democratic governance in Rivers State.
He noted that neither the governor nor his deputy had formally requested federal intervention, as required by law, leaving him with no choice but to act in the national interest.
To steer Rivers State through this turbulent period, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas, Rtd. has been appointed as Administrator, effective immediately.
The former Chief of Naval Staff is expected to oversee governance, maintain law and order, and ensure smooth administration for an initial six-month period.
However, Tinubu clarified that the judicial arm of the state remains intact and will continue to function independently.
Additionally, the administrator will not have legislative powers but may propose regulations, which must be approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the president.
The state of emergency proclamation has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for ratification, in line with constitutional provisions.
The President expressed hope that this intervention would compel political actors in Rivers State to uphold democratic principles and restore governance.
The declaration marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, as Rivers State becomes the first in recent times to face direct federal intervention.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Rivers State, where residents and stakeholders await the next steps in this unfolding political saga.
Tinubu ended his address with a call for unity, security, and democracy, emphasizing the need for all political players to abide by constitutional principles.
