President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and House of Assembly

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and constitutional breaches that have paralyzed governance in the state. The announcement was made during a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

The President expressed deep concern over the persistent crisis, which he said has hindered democratic governance and deprived the people of Rivers State of the dividends of democracy. He noted that despite multiple interventions by himself, well-meaning Nigerians, and patriotic groups, the crisis has remained unresolved.

President Tinubu highlighted several issues, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in December 2023, which has yet to be rebuilt 14 months later. He also referenced a Supreme Court judgment delivered on February 28, 2025, which declared that the absence of a functioning legislature rendered the state government non-existent under the 1999 Constitution.

The Supreme Court further ruled that 27 members of the House of Assembly, who had allegedly defected, remain valid members and cannot be excluded from legislative proceedings. The court ordered the immediate passage of an Appropriation Bill to restore constitutional democracy in the state, but this directive has not been implemented.

Additionally, the President cited recent security reports of pipeline vandalism by militants, which the governor has failed to address. He emphasized that the situation requires extraordinary measures to restore peace, order, and good governance in Rivers State.

Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective immediately. As part of the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.

To oversee the state's affairs during this period, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator. The judicial arm of the state will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution. The Administrator will not enact new laws but may formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.

President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State and urged all political players to adhere to constitutional principles. The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for further action.

The President reaffirmed his commitment to a united, peaceful, and democratic Nigeria.