On Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State 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, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. To oversee the state’s affairs, he appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s administrator.
Shortly after the announcement, soldiers were deployed to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. According to sources, the governor remained inside his official residence when the military personnel arrived around 9 pm. An Armored Personnel Carrier was stationed at the entrance of the Government House, while several Sports Utility Vehicles with headlights on were spotted outside the main gate. It was unclear whether the governor intended to leave the premises.
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News of the state of emergency triggered anxiety across Port Harcourt, with residents and motorists rushing home. Groups of people were seen on the streets discussing the development, with some expressing disappointment and blaming political actors for the crisis.
In his address, President Tinubu stated that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State had stalled development and denied residents the benefits of democracy. He explained that despite constitutional provisions allowing the governor and deputy governor to request federal intervention, no such request had been made. Consequently, he invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to impose the emergency rule, effective March 18, 2025.
He emphasized that the declaration did not affect the state’s judiciary, which would continue its functions as mandated by the Constitution. Tinubu also clarified that the appointed administrator would not have the power to enact new laws but could introduce necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The emergency declaration has been officially published in the Federal Gazette, and a copy has been submitted to the National Assembly in line with constitutional requirements.
Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore stability in Rivers State and remind all political stakeholders of their constitutional obligations, not just in the state but across the country.
