TEXT OF THE BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY, 18 MARCH 2025
Fellow Nigerians,
I am deeply troubled by the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I had hoped that the involved parties would resolve their differences and restore peace. However, that hope has faded as the crisis persists without any viable solution.
This prolonged crisis has made it impossible for democratic governance, which we have all worked so hard to establish, to function effectively for the benefit of the people of Rivers State. The state has been in a state of paralysis, with its citizens unable to access the benefits of democracy.
It is well known that, for unjustifiable reasons, the Governor of Rivers State demolished the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023. Now, fourteen months later, the assembly has not been rebuilt. I have personally intervened in an attempt to resolve this crisis peacefully, but my efforts have largely been disregarded by those involved. Many other well-meaning Nigerians, thought leaders, and patriotic groups have also tried to intervene, but unfortunately, their efforts have been in vain. I extend my thanks to them for their commitment.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a clear judgment regarding the political crisis in Rivers State, arising from a series of grave constitutional violations and disregard for the rule of law committed by the Governor. The Court stated:
“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, allowing him to govern as a despot without it. As it stands, there is no government in Rivers State.”
This ruling followed numerous findings of constitutional breaches committed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Furthermore, the Court held that 27 members of the House of Assembly, who had allegedly defected, remained valid members and could not be excluded from participating in legislative proceedings by the governor, in collusion with four other members.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court ordered immediate steps to restore constitutional democracy in Rivers State, including the passing of an Appropriation Bill by the state House of Assembly. However, to this day, the bill has not been passed.
Militants in the state have threatened violence against the governor’s perceived opponents, yet he has not disavowed these actions. Additionally, the governor and the House of Assembly have been unable to work together, failing to realize that their offices exist to serve the peace and good governance of the state.
Recent security reports show disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, and the governor has failed to take action to address this. I have given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of the people and the protection of Rivers State’s oil pipelines.
Given these developments, no responsible president can stand by while the situation continues unchecked. It is clear that extraordinary measures are needed to restore good governance, peace, order, and security.
Having thoroughly reflected on the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request my intervention as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution, I am compelled to invoke Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective today, March 18, 2025.
As part of this declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.
During this period, I have appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state in the interest of the people of Rivers State. It is important to clarify that this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to operate in accordance with its constitutional duties.
The Administrator will not have the power to make new laws but may formulate regulations necessary for carrying out his duties. Any such regulations will need to be approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President.
This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, and a copy has been forwarded to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution.
It is my sincere hope that this intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State and remind all political players of the constitutional responsibilities binding them, both in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
