In an extraordinary move, President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. This decision was announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The President cited the persistent breakdown of governance and security threats in the oil-rich state as the reason for his declaration. Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political impasse, with tensions heightening after the controversial demolition of the State House of Assembly by Governor Fubara in December 2023.
Despite calls for resolution from various stakeholders, including personal interventions by President Tinubu, the crisis remained unresolved. The Supreme Court, in a ruling on February 28, 2025, condemned the governor's actions, stating that Rivers State effectively lacked a functioning government due to the collapse of the legislative arm.
To restore stability, President Tinubu has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state's administrator to oversee governance. The judicial arm of the state remains unaffected by the declaration, ensuring continued legal proceedings and constitutional oversight.
The declaration has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some supporting the move as necessary to restore order, while others raise concerns over the implications for democratic governance in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, the coming months will determine the effectiveness of this intervention in stabilizing Rivers State.