Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara
By Springnewsng Media Limited
March 18, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers Statehttp://President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security threats. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the President announced the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To oversee the state’s administration during this period, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the military administrator. The President invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to declare a state of emergency in cases of national security threats, disaster, or governance breakdown.
Why the State of Emergency?
For weeks, Rivers State has been embroiled in a fierce political power struggle between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his former ally, Governor Fubara. The crisis has led to widespread unrest, reports of pipeline vandalism, and threats of mass protests by civil servants against the pro-Wike faction in the House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule.
Addressing the nation, Tinubu said, “Recent security reports indicate acts of sabotage, including pipeline vandalization, without any decisive action from the state government. In light of these developments, I have instructed security agencies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and national assets in Rivers State.”
The President emphasized that the decision to invoke emergency powers was necessary to restore peace and order. He explained that the failure of the Governor and his deputy to request federal intervention, as required under Section 305(5) of the Constitution, made the declaration inevitable.
Key Highlights of the Emergency Measures:
- Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and House of Assembly members for an initial six-month period.
- Appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
- Judicial arm of government remains operational and unaffected by the emergency declaration.
- No new laws will be enacted, but necessary regulations may be issued, subject to Federal Executive Council approval.
Tinubu assured the public that the declaration had been gazetted and forwarded to the National Assembly, as required by law. He expressed hope that the intervention would restore stability and uphold constitution
