In a bold move to address the persistent political and governance crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The declaration, made on Tuesday, 18 March 2025, aims to restore order, security, and constitutional governance in a state that has been grappling with serious political turmoil for over a year.
The state of emergency will last for an initial period of six months, during which time Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state. The intervention comes after a series of failed attempts at resolving the crisis through dialogue and judicial interventions, ultimately leaving President Tinubu with no choice but to take extraordinary steps as prescribed by the Nigerian Constitution.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been unfolding for over a year, with the state’s legislative body, the House of Assembly, rendered inactive after it was demolished by Governor Fubara on 13 December 2023. Despite repeated calls from various quarters for the reconstruction of the House, the governor has failed to take action, leaving the state’s government paralyzed.
Efforts by President Tinubu and other well-meaning Nigerians to mediate between the governor and the House have been unsuccessful, with both sides refusing to reach a compromise. The situation has left Rivers State in a state of political gridlock, depriving the citizens of the dividends of democracy and effective governance.
The Supreme Court had earlier weighed in on the issue, ruling on 28 February 2025, in favor of restoring constitutional order in the state. The court found that the governor’s actions had undermined the democratic process, stating that “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended.” This judicial pronouncement confirmed that Governor Fubara’s actions had effectively collapsed the legislative arm of the government, turning his administration into a form of despotism.
The Supreme Court’s judgment highlighted several grave constitutional breaches by the Rivers State governor. It also recognized the legitimacy of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had been allegedly prevented from participating in the legislative process by the governor and a small group of lawmakers.
Furthermore, the court’s ruling called for the immediate passage of an Appropriation Bill by the House of Assembly, which has yet to be facilitated by the state government. This decision reinforced the need for constitutional order and the restoration of a functional legislative body to enable the state to operate effectively within the framework of democracy.
Despite these legal orders, the governor and the legislature have failed to resolve their differences, with escalating tensions and a lack of cooperation hindering the state’s ability to function. Additionally, reports of militant activities, including the vandalization of pipelines, have been met with inaction from the governor, further exacerbating the state’s insecurity.
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a direct response to the ongoing political instability and the failure of both the executive and legislative arms of the state to uphold their constitutional duties. In his broadcast announcing the declaration, President Tinubu expressed his deep concern about the situation in Rivers State and the inability of the governor to bring about a resolution.
He stated, “With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state.” He also emphasized the need for extraordinary measures to restore peace and order, and to prevent further deterioration of the state’s governance.
The president acknowledged the efforts made by himself and other Nigerian leaders to intervene, but noted that these attempts had been largely ignored. He also criticized the governor for his failure to take responsibility for the escalating situation, particularly regarding the destruction of the state legislature and the lack of action on security issues, including militant activities that have plagued the region.
As part of the state of emergency, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months. The suspension is aimed at clearing the way for Vice Admiral Ibas, who will serve as Administrator, to take control of the state’s administration and restore law and order.
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas, a retired military officer, is seen as a step toward ensuring that the state is governed in the interest of its people, free from the political deadlock that has paralyzed it. The administrator will be responsible for overseeing the affairs of the state, but will not have the authority to make new laws. Any regulations he formulates will require approval from the Federal Executive Council and will need to be promulgated by the president.
The suspension of the governor and the assembly is a significant and unprecedented move, reflecting the seriousness with which the federal government views the situation in Rivers State. By taking this action, President Tinubu has sent a strong message that the rule of law must be upheld and that no individual or group is above the law.
President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State is not only a response to the political crisis but also an effort to restore governance and ensure that the people of the state can benefit from the services and protection that democracy promises. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as Administrator is seen as a temporary but necessary step to stabilize the state and allow for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The president has expressed hope that this intervention will encourage all political players in Rivers State to abide by the constitutional imperatives binding on them and to work toward the peace and prosperity of the state. “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State,” President Tinubu said.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Rivers State will be watching closely to see how this unprecedented move will affect the political landscape and whether it will bring about the much-needed stability and progress for the state.
In the meantime, the federal government has committed to ensuring the safety and security of the citizens of Rivers State, especially in light of the rising militant activities and the need to safeguard critical infrastructure, such as oil pipelines. The next six months will be critical in determining the future of Rivers State’s political landscape and its ability to return to constitutional governance.
