President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday night, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, for an initial six-month period.
In their absence, Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), as the Sole Administrator of the state. He stated that the decision was necessary to prevent further deterioration of law and order in the state, which has been plagued by political instability for nearly two years.
The President noted that the ongoing political crisis had significantly hampered governance and posed a security threat in the oil-producing region.
During a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu explained that all efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully had failed, leaving no alternative as democratic institutions in the state had been systematically weakened.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, depriving the people of Rivers State of the benefits of democracy,” Tinubu stated.
He accused Governor Fubara of undermining democratic structures by demolishing the state’s House of Assembly complex in December 2023 and failing to reconstruct it. The President cited a recent Supreme Court ruling that condemned the governor’s actions as unconstitutional and detrimental to democracy.
Tinubu stated “Fellow Nigerians, I am deeply concerned about the political turmoil in Rivers State. Despite numerous appeals for restraint, the situation has continued to escalate with no resolution in sight.
“With the crisis persisting, democratic governance cannot function effectively to serve the people of Rivers State.
“It is public knowledge that the Governor unjustifiably demolished the House of Assembly complex on December 13, 2023, and has failed to rebuild it fourteen months later. I have personally intervened in the crisis, engaging with all parties to find a peaceful resolution, but my efforts have been ignored. Many well-meaning Nigerians and leaders have also attempted to mediate, but their efforts have equally been unsuccessful. Nonetheless, I appreciate their commitment.”
The President referenced the Supreme Court judgment delivered on February 28, 2025, which addressed several consolidated appeals on the political crisis in Rivers State. The ruling highlighted severe constitutional violations and disregard for the rule of law by the governor.
Quoting the court, Tinubu stated:
“A government cannot be deemed functional if one of the three essential arms is absent under the 1999 Constitution as amended.”
Additionally, Tinubu revealed that security reports indicated acts of vandalism by militants in Rivers State, which he claimed the governor failed to address. He assured citizens that security agencies had been directed to restore order and protect critical infrastructure.
Effective immediately, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state's Administrator, clarifying that while the Administrator would oversee governance, he would not have the authority to enact new laws. The judiciary would continue to function independently.
The President expressed concerns over increasing security threats, particularly acts of pipeline vandalism carried out by militants, and accused the governor of failing to take necessary action.
“Recent security reports indicate that between yesterday and today, militants have engaged in pipeline vandalization, with no response from the governor,” Tinubu stated. He reassured Nigerians that security agencies had been instructed to take immediate steps to protect lives, property, and key infrastructure in Rivers State.
Citing the gravity of the situation, Tinubu explained that he was compelled to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency. He noted that neither the governor nor his deputy had sought federal intervention, as required by Section 305(5).
“Having carefully assessed the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request federal intervention as stipulated by the Constitution, I have no choice but to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective March 18, 2025,” Tinubu declared.
The emergency proclamation has been officially published in the Federal Gazette and submitted to the National Assembly in compliance with constitutional requirements.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) will oversee the administration of the state but will not be permitted to introduce new laws. However, he will be authorized to formulate essential regulations, subject to the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the President's endorsement.
President Tinubu expressed optimism that this intervention would restore stability and constitutional order in Rivers State.
“This proclamation has been published in the Federal Gazette and sent to the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution. I sincerely hope that this decisive intervention will bring peace and restore democratic governance in Rivers State, reinforcing the constitutional framework that binds all political stakeholders in both the state and the nation,” he stated.
The President concluded his address by calling for unity and stability in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
“Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
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