Abuja, March 18, 2025 – In a historic move aimed at restoring democratic governance and stability in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in the state, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the persistent political crisis in Rivers State, stating that the situation had paralyzed governance and denied the people the dividends of democracy.
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“Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State,” the President said. “Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development, hoping that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail, but all that hope burned out without any resolution.”
Unresolved Political Crisis and Judicial Pronouncements
The crisis, according to the President, stemmed from the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, an act that he described as unjustifiable. He lamented that despite multiple interventions from his office and other well-meaning Nigerians, the crisis remained unresolved.
Citing a recent Supreme Court ruling on the matter, President Tinubu emphasized that the judicial pronouncements made it clear that governance in Rivers State had effectively collapsed. The court declared 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.” The ruling further condemned Governor Fubara’s alleged unconstitutional acts, particularly his handling of the legislature.
Security Concerns and Vandalism
The President also referenced intelligence reports indicating heightened security threats in Rivers State, including vandalism of oil pipelines by militants. He criticized the governor’s failure to take decisive action against these threats, further justifying the need for federal intervention.
“Between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalization by some militants without any action from the governor to curtail them,” President Tinubu stated. “As President, I have given stern orders to security agencies to ensure the safety of the people and critical infrastructure in the state.”
Proclamation of State of Emergency
Given the deteriorating situation, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective immediately. This decision, he said, was made after “sober reflection and evaluation” of the crisis.
As part of the emergency measures, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator of Rivers State. His mandate is to ensure the restoration of democratic governance, law, and order, while the judiciary remains functional in accordance with its constitutional responsibilities.
“The Administrator will not make new laws but will formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council,” the President clarified.
A Call for Unity and Stability
President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would serve as a wake-up call to all political actors in Rivers State, urging them to uphold the principles of democracy and governance. He reassured Nigerians that this step was taken in the best interest of the people of Rivers State and the nation at large.
“It is my fervent hope that this intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State,” he concluded. “Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Mr President.. You did this for your boy Wike..