President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis that has crippled governance and threatened peace and security in the state. The declaration, which takes immediate effect, was announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the political stalemate in Rivers State, which has rendered the state government dysfunctional. He highlighted the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly, which was demolished in December 2023, and the inability of the executive and legislative arms to work together for the good of the state.
The President revealed that despite numerous interventions by himself, well-meaning Nigerians, and patriotic groups, the crisis had persisted, leading to a complete breakdown of democratic governance. He referenced a recent Supreme Court judgment, which declared that “no government exists in Rivers State” due to the governor’s unconstitutional actions, including the collapse of the legislative arm.
The Supreme Court had also ruled that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had allegedly defected, remained valid members and could not be barred from participating in legislative proceedings. However, the court’s orders, including the passage of an Appropriation Bill, have yet to be implemented.
President Tinubu further expressed alarm over recent security reports, which detailed incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, with no visible action taken by the governor to address the situation. He emphasized that the safety of lives and property in Rivers State remained a top priority, and security agencies had been directed to ensure the protection of citizens and critical infrastructure.
In invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending 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. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during this period.
The Administrator will not have the power to make new laws but may formulate regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President. The judicial arm of the state will continue to function independently, in line with its constitutional mandate.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly, as required by law. President Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace, order, and good governance in Rivers State, urging all political actors to prioritize the interests of the people.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President concluded.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with many awaiting further developments in the coming days.
