President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis. In a nationwide address on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The President expressed his deep concern over the situation, stating, “I have watched with great concern the developments in Rivers State, hoping that the parties involved would resolve their differences. Unfortunately, this hope has not been realized, and the crisis continues to prevent the state from functioning democratically.”
He further highlighted the Governor’s controversial actions, including the demolition of the House of Assembly in December 2023, which has yet to be rebuilt. Despite several attempts at intervention, including those from other well-meaning Nigerians, the situation remained unresolved.
President Tinubu referenced the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025, ruling, which found that Rivers State was not functioning as a government due to the Governor’s unconstitutional actions, including collapsing the legislative arm of government. The Court also ordered the restoration of the House of Assembly, but these actions were not implemented.
The President cited security concerns, including recent militant activity and vandalism of pipelines, which further undermined the state’s stability. He emphasized that these actions and the ongoing crisis had made it necessary to invoke constitutional measures.
“As President, I cannot stand by while the situation worsens. After careful consideration, I have declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective from today, March 18, 2025,” President Tinubu said.
With this declaration, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and the entire House of Assembly are suspended for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as Administrator of the state to manage its affairs in the interest of the people.
The judicial arm of the state will remain unaffected, and the Administrator will have the authority to formulate necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and the President.
This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly. President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State and uphold the constitutional principles that govern Nigeria.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and a strong Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.