President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political instability and governance breakdown. The decision was announced in a national broadcast on Tuesday, citing the failure of state authorities to resolve the ongoing political crisis and comply with constitutional provisions.
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the situation, which has left Rivers State in political and administrative paralysis. “Like many Nigerians, I had hoped that the parties involved would resolve the crisis amicably. Unfortunately, all efforts have failed,” Tinubu stated.
Central to the crisis was the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Despite repeated calls and judicial interventions, the House has not been rebuilt, leaving the state without a functioning legislative arm.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment on February 28, 2025, condemned the governor’s actions, ruling that “a government cannot exist without one of the three arms that make up the state under the 1999 Constitution.” The court affirmed that the 27 lawmakers who allegedly defected remained valid members of the Assembly and ordered the immediate passage of an Appropriation Bill—an order that remains unimplemented.
Security reports also highlighted rising threats from militants, including vandalism of oil pipelines. Tinubu disclosed that security agencies have been instructed to safeguard lives and infrastructure in the state.
“In light of these grave constitutional breaches and the failure of the governor and deputy governor to seek federal intervention, I am compelled to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective today, March 18, 2025,” Tinubu announced.
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
“The Administrator will not enact new laws but may issue regulations necessary to restore order, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council,” Tinubu clarified. He emphasized that the judiciary would remain functional and independent.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution. Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to democratic governance.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tinubu concluded.
