Tinubu Declares State of Emergency In Rivers, Suspends Fubara & Lawmakers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending 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.

The decision, announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, comes after months of political turmoil that have crippled governance in the state.

In his address, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the prolonged crisis, noting that despite his personal intervention and efforts by well-meaning Nigerians, no resolution had been reached. He highlighted the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex on December 13, 2023, by Governor Fubara, which has remained in ruins for over 14 months. The lack of a functioning legislative arm, he said, had effectively rendered the state government non-operational.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling delivered on February 28, 2025, Tinubu emphasized that no government could exist without all three arms functioning in tandem. The court had condemned the governor’s actions, ruling that the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained valid members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and could not be prevented from carrying out their duties. The judgment described the governor’s governance style as an attempt to rule without legislative oversight, a situation the court equated to despotism.

The President further justified his action by referencing security threats in the state. He revealed that militants had recently vandalized pipelines and issued threats, yet the governor had taken no steps to address the situation. Intelligence reports, he added, indicated growing instability, making immediate federal intervention necessary. He assured Nigerians that his decision was not taken lightly but was essential to restore law and order.

To manage the affairs of Rivers State during the emergency period, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator. While judicial operations in the state will continue unhindered, the Administrator 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.

President Tinubu stressed that the state of emergency was declared in strict adherence to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He pointed out that while the Constitution allows a governor or deputy governor to request an emergency declaration, neither Fubara nor his deputy had made such a request, despite the worsening crisis. As a result, the federal government had to step in to prevent further deterioration of governance in the state.

The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly, as required by law. President Tinubu expressed optimism that this measure would restore peace and good governance to Rivers State. He concluded his address with a call for unity and stability, reaffirming his commitment to democracy and the rule of law.