Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Lawmakers
President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday evening during a nationwide broadcast, citing the need to restore law and order.
As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Mrs 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 administrator to oversee governance during this period.
Military Presence at Government House
Following the announcement, soldiers were deployed to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. According to an insider, the governor was inside his official residence when troops arrived at the premises around 9:00 pm.
The source stated, “As I speak to you now, there are soldiers inside the Government House, but the governor is in his residence.”
Additionally, an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed at the entrance of the Government House. A correspondent visiting the area around the same time observed several Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) parked outside the main gate with their headlights on. It was unclear whether the governor was preparing to leave the premises.
Tension in Rivers State
The emergency declaration sparked tension across Port Harcourt, with residents and motorists rushing home upon hearing the news. Many were seen discussing the situation on the streets, with some expressing disappointment and attributing the crisis to political conflicts.
Tinubu Defends the Decision
During his address, President Tinubu explained that the political turmoil in Rivers State had stalled governance and deprived citizens of development. He stated that he was compelled to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to declare the emergency.
“In the circumstances, after sober reflection and evaluation of the political situation in Rivers State—and in the absence of a formal request from the governor and deputy governor for me to issue this proclamation—I find it inevitably necessary to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective today, March 18, 2025,” Tinubu announced.
He clarified that the judiciary in Rivers State would continue to function as usual and that the appointed administrator would not create new laws but could introduce necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The emergency proclamation has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.
“It is my fervent hope that this intervention will restore peace and order in Rivers State and remind all political actors of their constitutional responsibilities,” Tinubu stated.
The announcement followed an emergency meeting held earlier in the day at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. The meeting, convened by Tinubu at 3:00 pm, included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Inspector-General of Police, the heads of security agencies, and top government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The emergency session was prompted by explosions at two oil pipelines in Rivers State.
Fubara Urges Calm
Reacting to his suspension, Governor Fubara released a statement urging Rivers residents to remain calm.
“We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara said.
He blamed lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike for frustrating his attempts to implement the Supreme Court’s verdict, which he had complied with in good faith.
“In the face of this political crisis, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law,” Fubara stated, adding that his administration had continued to pay salaries and execute projects despite political tensions.
Oil Pipeline Explosions
Amid the political crisis, Rivers State witnessed two explosions at critical oil pipelines between late Monday and Tuesday.
The first explosion occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area. The second blast was reported at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
While some sources attributed the incidents to illegal oil bunkering, the Rivers State Police Command launched an investigation and arrested two suspects. The police confirmed that Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which operates the affected pipeline, had shut down the facility.
Ongoing Political Crisis
The emergency declaration follows months of escalating political tension between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The crisis peaked in October 2023 when the Rivers State House of Assembly was bombed. Fubara later demolished the assembly complex, preventing pro-Wike lawmakers from holding sessions.
Despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), tensions remained high. The court also imposed a ₦10 million fine on Fubara.
With soldiers now stationed at the Rivers Government House and the state under emergency rule, the political situation remains tense as stakeholders await further developments.
