President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and security threats.
In a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu said governance in the state had collapsed following the demolition of the House of Assembly in December 2023 and the governor’s failure to restore legislative functions. The Supreme Court had also ruled that the state lacked a functioning government due to the ongoing crisis.
He said: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did. But their efforts have been to no avail.
“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.
“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”
The declaration comes just hours after another explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.As part of emergency measures:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers are suspended for six months.
- Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) is appointed as the Administrator to oversee governance.
- The judiciary remains operational, and all emergency regulations will require Federal Executive Council approval.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly. Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace, order, and democratic governance in Rivers State.
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