Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State
By Idris Umar Zariya
March 18, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the escalating political crisis in the region. In a statement made on Tuesday evening, the President announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
The decision follows a series of ongoing political conflicts that have severely disrupted the operations of the state government, affecting the delivery of democratic services to the people of Rivers. President Tinubu stated that the political turmoil has reached a point that poses a serious threat to peace and democracy in the state.
He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which concluded that the state's government had lost its legitimacy due to the suspension of the legislative branch, rendering the government non-functional. The ruling emphasized that a government cannot be said to exist if one of its three branches is inactive.
After reviewing the situation, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare the state of emergency, effective from March 18, 2025. As part of this declaration, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed as the acting governor of the state.
The state of emergency will not affect the judiciary, and courts will continue their operations as usual. The acting governor will not have the power to create new laws but will be allowed to establish operational guidelines with the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the President.
This action is deemed necessary to restore law and order and bring back democratic governance in Rivers State. President Tinubu expressed hope that this measure would lead to peace and stability in the region, ensuring full compliance with the rule of law and constitutional order.
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