President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and governance challenges.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the president announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
“Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and given that the Governor and Deputy Governor have failed to request my intervention as required by Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I am compelled to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency with immediate effect,” Tinubu stated.
The declaration follows escalating tensions and unresolved disputes within the state’s political structure. The presidency has yet to outline the specific administrative framework that will govern Rivers State during this period.
