President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amidst the ongoing political unrest.

In a nationwide address on Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu revealed that he had suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

“Fellow Nigerians,

I am deeply troubled by the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I had hoped that reason and dialogue would prevail among the parties involved. Unfortunately, this hope has been in vain, as the situation remains unresolved, and the conflict persists.

This crisis has reached a point where democratic governance, something we have all fought so hard to achieve, can no longer thrive in Rivers State. The state has been paralyzed, leaving the citizens deprived of the benefits of democracy and good governance.

It is also well-known that the Governor of Rivers State made the decision to demolish the State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, without any justification, and, even after 14 months, has failed to rebuild it. Despite my personal efforts and those of many well-meaning Nigerians, leaders, and groups, the conflict continues with no solution in sight. I want to express my gratitude to all those who have tried to intervene.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on the ongoing crisis in Rivers State. In its judgment, the Court made it clear 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. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without it, as a despot. As it stands, there is no government in Rivers State.”

This ruling came after a series of judicial findings detailing constitutional violations committed by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Court further clarified that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were allegedly defected, remain valid members and must be allowed to participate in the House’s proceedings. The Court also ordered the passage of the Appropriation Bill by the House, which has still not been facilitated.

Furthermore, several militant groups have made violent threats against those they perceive as enemies of the governor, and the governor has yet to publicly denounce them. Additionally, both the governor and the House have failed to work together for the well-being and peace of the state.

Recent security reports indicate alarming incidents, such as pipeline vandalism by militants, which have gone unchecked by the governor. In response, I have issued strict orders to the relevant security agencies to ensure the protection of the citizens of Rivers State and safeguard the oil pipelines.

Given these ongoing challenges, no responsible President can remain passive while the situation continues to deteriorate. After thoroughly evaluating the political situation in Rivers State and recognizing that neither the Governor nor Deputy Governor has formally requested this intervention, I have been left with no choice but to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from today, March 18, 2025.

As part of this declaration, I am suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

To manage the state’s affairs during this period, I am appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator. He will take charge of the governance of Rivers State for the good of its citizens.

It is important to note that this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of the state, which will continue to function in line with its constitutional duties.

The Administrator will not have the power to make new laws but may formulate necessary regulations, which will require the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the President.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, and a copy has been forwarded to the National Assembly as required by the Constitution. It is my sincere hope that this action will restore peace and order in Rivers State, ensuring that all political players adhere to the constitutional framework binding us all.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”