President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the prolonged political crisis and constitutional breaches involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly.
Key Highlights:
- Crisis Background:
The President expressed deep concern over the persistent political impasse, worsened by the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly since December 2023 and failure to rebuild it 14 months later.
Efforts by the President and other well-meaning Nigerians to mediate were ignored. - Supreme Court Ruling (Feb 28, 2025):
The Supreme Court ruled that Rivers State lacks a functional government due to the governor’s unconstitutional actions, including collapsing the legislative arm.
It affirmed the 27 defected lawmakers as valid members of the Assembly and ordered immediate passage of the Appropriation Bill — which was not done. - Security Concerns:
Reports of militants vandalising pipelines without any action from the governor escalated the situation, creating a severe threat to lives, oil infrastructure, and national security. - Declaration of Emergency:
Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu declared a state of emergency effective March 18, 2025:- Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected Assembly members suspended for six months.
- Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
- Judiciary unaffected and will continue its constitutional duties.
- The Administrator can propose regulations but must seek approval from the Federal Executive Council and the President.
- Objective:
The intervention aims to restore peace, constitutional order, and ensure good governance in Rivers State.
Closing:
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Nigeria.
