President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis there.
He made this announcement during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, in which he also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) was appointed as the state administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for the next six months.
Tinubu’s decision was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for a state of emergency in cases of national danger, disaster, or terrorist activity, permitting the suspension of normal constitutional procedures to restore order.
This move grants the President the authority to implement regulations to ensure public safety and order.
In the past, similar declarations were made, such as in May 2013, when then-President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa due to insurgency, and a limited state of emergency was declared in parts of several states in 2011.
Rivers State has experienced escalating tensions due to a power struggle between Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and his former political ally, Governor Fubara, over control of the state’s political structure.
Reports of pipeline explosions and civil unrest have intensified the situation, with civil servants threatening mass protests against the group in the House of Assembly loyal to Wike.
Tinubu explained that security reports showed ongoing pipeline vandalism, with no action from the governor to address the issue.
He emphasized that, given the gravity of the situation, it was necessary for him to act under constitutional authority to ensure governance, peace, and security in the state.
He noted that the governor and deputy had not formally requested a state of emergency, which prompted his intervention.
The declaration includes the suspension of the state’s elected officials but does not affect the judiciary, which will continue its duties as per the Constitution.
The appointed administrator will have the authority to formulate regulations but must seek approval from the Federal Executive Council and the President before implementing any new laws.
Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore order in Rivers State and encourage all political players to respect constitutional processes.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, with copies forwarded to the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution.
