…Suspends Governor, Deputy, lawmakers for 6 initial months
…state judiciary remains in place
…nominates ret. Admiral Ibas
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis, constitutional breaches, and rising insecurity.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
To manage the affairs of the state, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator, with immediate effect.
Tinubu said the decision was necessary to restore peace, order, and governance in Rivers, as the state had been in political turmoil for months.
He noted that all efforts at mediation, including his personal intervention and those of other well-meaning Nigerians, had failed to resolve the crisis.
“The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of Rivers unable to access the dividends of democracy,” Tinubu stated.
The President also cited the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in December 2023, which he described as an unjustifiable act that crippled legislative governance.
More than a year after the demolition, the complex remains unrebuilt, exacerbating tensions between the executive and legislative arms of the state government.
Tinubu referenced the February 28, 2025 Supreme Court judgment, which ruled that Rivers had effectively ceased to have a functioning government due to the collapse of its legislative arm.
The court had upheld the validity of 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC, ruling that they must be allowed to resume legislative activities.
Despite this ruling, the Rivers government, led by Governor Fubara and a faction of four lawmakers, continued to resist compliance, worsening the crisis.
“The Supreme Court held that a government cannot exist without its three arms. In this case, the Governor collapsed the legislature to govern as a despot. As it stands, there is no government in Rivers State,” Tinubu quoted from the ruling.
Beyond the political crisis, Tinubu highlighted the escalating security threats in Rivers State, pointing to recent pipeline vandalization by militants.
He alleged that these activities had taken place without any intervention from the state government, raising concerns about the governor’s failure to maintain law and order.
“Some militants have threatened fire and brimstone against perceived enemies of the governor, and up till now, he has not disowned them,” the President stated, adding that he had ordered security agencies to ensure the protection of lives, property, and vital oil infrastructure in the state.
With the suspension of the elected state government, the newly appointed Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd.), is expected to manage the affairs of Rivers State.
Tinubu clarified that Ibas will not have the power to make new laws but can formulate regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgation by the President.
The judiciary in Rivers State will remain functional, ensuring that legal processes continue without disruption.
Tinubu confirmed that the state of emergency declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and transmitted to the National Assembly for approval, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He expressed hope that this intervention would compel all political actors in Rivers to respect the constitutional order and work toward peace.
“This is an extraordinary measure, but it is necessary to restore governance and prevent further breakdown of law and order in Rivers State,” Tinubu said.
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