Tinubu Gazettes ‘State Of Emergency’ In Rivers State Amidst National Outrage

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has officially gazette the “State of Emergency” rule in Rivers State, despite widespread criticism and condemnation. The gazette, titled “State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025,” was signed by the President and obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday.

According to the gazette, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) will serve as the Administrator of Rivers State, operating under regulations issued by the President from time to time. The proclamation cites Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and other enabling powers to restore good governance, peace, security, and order in Rivers State.

The gazette partly read:

“Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria 1999 As Amended State Of Emergency (RIVERS STATE) Proclamation, 2025”

“Whereas, there is a clear and present danger of an imminent breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State of Nigeria, which require extraordinary measures to avert such danger.”

“Whereas, there is a clear and present danger of the looming crisis in Rivers State which, if left unchecked, could degenerate, leading to massive loss of lives and property in the State:

“Whereas, extraordinary measures are required to restore good governance, peace, security and order in Rivers State:

“NOW therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigera, hereby make the following proclamation.”

“Proclamation of a State of Emergency in Rivers State: As from the commencement of this Proclamation, a State of Emergency is hereby declared in Rivers State (in the Proclamation referred to as ‘the State’).

“Suspension of the Offices of the Governor, his deputy and elected members of the State House of Assembly: As from the commencement of this Proclamation, the Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor and State House of Assembly are here suspended.

“Appointment of Administrator: The State shall for the duration of the emergency, be administered by Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), as Administrator, who shall operate on the basis of such Regulations that may, from time to time, be issued by me.”

“This Proclamation may be cited as the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025.”

President Tinubu emphasized that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, March 20, 2025, rubber-stamped Tinubu’s unpopular declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the assembly.

Several political groups, including Afenifere and Pan Niger Delta Forum, have strongly criticized Tinubu’s decision, calling it an attempt to hijack democracy in Rivers State.