By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times | March 18, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.

In a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, Tinubu stated that the escalating political crisis in Rivers had reached a critical level, posing a significant threat to peace and democracy in the state.

He noted that since the outbreak of the political turmoil, the people of Rivers had been deprived of the benefits of democratic governance due to the paralysis of government activities.

The President highlighted that Governor Fubara had demolished the State House of Assembly complex on December 13, 2023, and had yet to rebuild it. Despite multiple efforts by national leaders and organizations to resolve the crisis, no progress had been made.

Referencing the Supreme Court ruling of February 28, 2025, Tinubu pointed out that there was no functional government in Rivers due to the legislative arm being incapacitated. The ruling stated:

"A government cannot be said to exist when one of its three arms is rendered inactive. In this case, the executive has crippled the legislature to rule unilaterally, akin to a dictatorship. Therefore, there is no functional government in Rivers State."

Following a thorough review of the situation, Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to impose emergency rule in Rivers, effective March 18, 2025.

As a result, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers will remain suspended for six months. Tinubu has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), as the interim administrator of the state.

The President clarified that the emergency rule would not affect the judiciary, ensuring that courts would continue to operate as mandated by law. He also stated that the interim administrator would not enact new laws but could establish guidelines for governance, subject to the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the President.

Tinubu emphasized that this drastic measure was necessary to restore law and order and safeguard democracy in Rivers State. He confirmed that the declaration had been officially published in the government gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for ratification.

In conclusion, the President expressed hope that this intervention would bring stability and adherence to constitutional order in Rivers State and across Nigeria.