President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. The decision, announced in a televised address on Tuesday night, follows the prolonged crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the president, the declaration became necessary after careful evaluation of the political instability in Rivers and the failure of the state government to formally request federal intervention, as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
“It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025,” Tinubu stated.
As a result, the president announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Unresolved Political Crisis and Security Concerns
In his address, Tinubu expressed concerns over the state’s worsening governance crisis. He criticized Governor Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in December 2023 and failing to rebuild it over a year later. The president noted that various attempts at mediation, including his personal interventions and efforts by well-meaning Nigerians, had failed to yield results.
Beyond the political deadlock, the president also cited increasing security threats in Rivers, including militant activities and oil pipeline vandalism. He accused the state government of inaction in addressing these issues.
“The latest security reports show disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by militants without any intervention from the state government,” Tinubu said. “I have given strict orders to security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and vital infrastructure in Rivers State.”
Appointment of Ibas as Military Administrator
To oversee governance in the state during the emergency period, Tinubu announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the Military Administrator of Rivers State.
Ibas, 64, hails from Cross River State and brings a wealth of military experience. He was born in September 1960 in Ankara and attended Hope Waddell Training Institute in Calabar before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979.
The appointment of a military administrator signals a shift in governance, as federal authorities seek to restore stability in the oil-rich state.
Restoring Order and Governance
President Tinubu emphasized that the decision to declare a state of emergency was not taken lightly, stating that “no responsible president would stand by and allow such a grave situation to persist without intervention.“ He reassured Rivers residents that his administration is committed to restoring peace, order, and effective governance in the state.
The declaration of emergency in Rivers marks a critical development in Nigeria’s political landscape, raising questions about the future of the state’s leadership and the broader implications for democracy and governance in the country.
