President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective immediately, due to the persistent political crisis in the state. In a broadcast, Tinubu expressed concern over the situation, stating that democratic governance cannot thrive in the current environment.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu said. He also noted that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, demolished the House of Assembly in December 2023 and has not rebuilt it, despite being 14 months since the incident.
Tinubu further stated that he has made personal interventions to resolve the crisis, but his efforts have been ignored. He also acknowledged the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians, leaders of thought, and patriotic groups, who have also intervened to resolve the matter.
The President cited a Supreme Court judgment on February 28, 2025, which declared that the Governor’s actions had rendered the state government non-existent. The court also ordered the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has not been facilitated.
Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. He also nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.
The President emphasized that the declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. He also expressed hope that the intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State.
Tinubu reflected on the lack of initiative from state officials, stating, “In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025 and I so do.”