President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the prolonged political crisis in Rivers, stating that despite numerous attempts at mediation, peace has remained elusive. He emphasized that governance in the state had been paralyzed, preventing residents from enjoying the benefits of democracy.
Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, which condemned the collapse of the state legislature, Tinubu asserted that Rivers effectively lacked a functioning government. He highlighted the demolition of the State Assembly complex in December 2023 and the failure to rebuild it as evidence of constitutional breaches by Fubara.
“In the circumstances, I am invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective today, March 18, 2025,” Tinubu announced.
To oversee the state’s administration, the President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator, clarifying that the judicial arm would continue its functions. While Ibas will manage the state’s affairs, any new regulations must receive approval from the Federal Executive Council and be promulgated by the President.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, as required by the Constitution. Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and constitutional order in the state.
