Breaking: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara, House of Assembly

In a shocking move, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the persistent political crisis that has crippled the state’s governance. This declaration, made during a nationwide broadcast, effectively suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.¹

The President’s decision comes after the Supreme Court’s judgment on February 28, 2025, which highlighted several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of the rule of law by Governor Fubara. The court’s pronouncement stated that “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended”.

President Tinubu has nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs. The Administrator will not have the power to make new laws but can formulate regulations that will need to be approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President.

This development is a significant escalation of the political crisis in Rivers State, which has been marred by violence, vandalism, and a breakdown in governance. The President’s declaration aims to restore peace, order, and security in the state, ensuring that the good people of Rivers State can access the dividends of democracy.