The political imbroglio in Rivers State hit the climax on Tuesday when the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu stepped in and declared a state of emergency. Already the head of government has been announced and the Government House taken over by security officials.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following months of political unrest that have rocked the oil-rich state since September 2023.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, the president announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
According to the president, the decision became necessary to prevent further breakdown of law and order as the political crisis continues to threaten peace in the state.
To manage the state during this period, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole administrator in charge of governance.
The president’s move is backed by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers him to declare a state of emergency when the country or any part of it faces severe threats.
By law, the emergency declaration must be published in the government gazette and sent to the National Assembly for approval. A two-thirds majority vote is required for the National Assembly to validate the declaration.
This action marks the fourth time a Nigerian president has declared a state of emergency since the country’s return to democracy in 1999. Below are previous cases:
1. Plateau State (2004) President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State in May 2004 after deadly ethno-religious violence. The governor and assembly were suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed administrator.
2. Ekiti State (2006) In October 2006, Obasanjo again declared emergency rule in Ekiti State following a leadership crisis caused by the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed to oversee the state.
3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013) Amid the Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in these three states in May 2013. However, unlike previous instances, the governors and assemblies were not suspended, but curfews were imposed, and troops were deployed to tackle the insurgents.
Rivers State has now joined the list as President Tinubu takes firm action to restore peace and stability.