…Suspends Governor, Deputy, State Assembly Members
In a decisive move to address the lingering political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. This extraordinary measure, which takes effect immediately from March 18, 2025, comes after months of political turmoil that have stalled governance and threatened security in the region.
Addressing the nation in a broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the protracted crisis, stating that despite multiple interventions by well-meaning Nigerians, the situation has only worsened. He highlighted the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara on December 13, 2023, and the governor’s failure to rebuild the structure for over a year as a clear indication of executive overreach.
The President also cited the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on February 28, 2025, which condemned the unconstitutional actions of the governor and his administration. The apex court ruled that a state cannot function without all three arms of government and described the current situation in Rivers as “a collapse of the legislature, enabling the governor to rule as a despot.”
Furthermore, President Tinubu noted the refusal of the governor to facilitate the passage of the state budget, the escalating security threats posed by militants aligned with his administration, and recent reports of vandalism of vital oil pipelines. The President accused Governor Fubara of failing to take decisive action against these threats, thereby endangering national security and economic stability.
Key Directives of the Emergency Rule
To restore constitutional order, President Tinubu announced the following measures:
- Suspension of the Governor and Deputy Governor: Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, have been relieved of their duties for an initial period of six months.
- Dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly: All elected members of the Assembly are suspended.
- Appointment of an Administrator: Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been nominated to take over the affairs of the state during the emergency period.
- Judicial Arm Unaffected: The declaration does not impact the judiciary, which will continue to function under its constitutional mandate.
- Limited Legislative Authority: The appointed administrator will not enact new laws but may formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The President affirmed that this declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and communicated to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution.
Expressing hope for a return to stability, President Tinubu emphasized that this intervention was necessary to safeguard the rule of law, protect the people of Rivers State, and maintain national security.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the President concluded.
