President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis in the region.
The president made the announcement in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, during which he suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the military administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
The proclamation was made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the declaration of a state of emergency in situations of national danger, disaster, or terrorist attacks, enabling the government to suspend normal constitutional processes to restore control.
On May 14, 2013, then-President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, which were plagued by insurgency. This followed a previous, more limited declaration on December 31, 2011, affecting parts of Yobe, Borno, Plateau, and Niger states. The earlier declaration also involved the temporary closure of international borders in those areas.
For nearly two months, a political deadlock persisted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his former political ally turned rival, Governor Fubara, over control of Rivers State’s political structure. The tension in the state escalated as reports emerged of pipeline explosions, and civil servants began threatening mass protests against the group in the House of Assembly loyal to Wike.
President Tinubu stated, “Recent security reports show that, between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, with no action from the governor to prevent them. I have given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of Rivers State’s oil pipelines.”
“Given the gravity of the situation,” Tinubu continued, “no responsible president would stand by and let this continue without taking the necessary constitutional steps to address the crisis in the state. Clearly, extraordinary measures are needed to restore good governance, peace, order, and security.”
Reflecting on the situation, Tinubu noted that despite the severe circumstances, the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State had not requested his intervention, as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution. As a result, the president said he was compelled to invoke Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from March 18, 2025.
In his proclamation, Tinubu suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the military administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
The president clarified that the declaration would not affect the judicial arm of the state, which would continue to function according to its constitutional duties. The administrator, Tinubu explained, would not have the power to make new laws but could implement necessary regulations, which would need approval from the Federal Executive Council and be promulgated by the president.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, with a copy sent to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution.
Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State, encouraging all political players in the state, and across the country, to abide by constitutional principles.
