President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Officials

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.The president made this announcement during a nationwide address on Tuesday.

Invoking Section 305 of the amended Constitution, Tinubu stated that the suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy was necessary to restore peace and stability in the state.Political Crisis and Failed MediationTinubu expressed concern over the prolonged political turmoil in Rivers, stating that all efforts to mediate the situation had failed. The crisis stems from a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The president noted that Rivers State has been in political deadlock since October 2023. Tensions escalated further in December 2023 when the State House of Assembly complex was demolished—an act attributed to Fubara’s administration.In response to the crisis, Tinubu announced the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State. He stated that this move was necessary due to the failure of both the executive and legislative arms to resolve their disputes.

Tinubu referenced a recent Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which determined that Governor Fubara had engaged in unconstitutional actions by sidelining the legislative arm of government. According to the president, the court’s ruling indicated that Rivers State was effectively without a functioning government.

“With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state,” Tinubu said.Additionally, the president raised security concerns, accusing militants in the state of sabotaging oil pipelines while the governor failed to take action.

“The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them,” Tinubu said.

Scope of Emergency RuleUnder the emergency rule, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) will oversee the administration of Rivers State but will not have the power to enact new laws. However, he will be authorized to issue necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and the president.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu clarified.

Tinubu assured the public that the state’s judiciary would remain operational and that the emergency measure was solely intended to restore constitutional order.

“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State,” the president said.

The president reiterated that his decision was in the best interest of Rivers State, emphasizing that the emergency rule would end once stability and lawful governance were restored.

Source : https://businessday.ng/