President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and escalating security concerns. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, he announced the immediate 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.
Tinubu stated that his decision was based on persistent political instability in the state, which has hindered governance and denied the people the dividends of democracy. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling from February 28, 2025, which found that the governor had effectively crippled the legislative arm of government, making it impossible for a functional government to exist in Rivers State.
“It is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State, for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as December 13, 2023, and has, up until now—fourteen months later—not rebuilt it,” Tinubu said.
The crisis, he added, has been further aggravated by security threats, including recent acts of pipeline vandalism by militants, which the governor allegedly failed to address. He expressed concern over reports that some militant groups had issued threats against perceived political opponents of the governor.
In response to the situation, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State. He clarified that while Ibas would oversee governance in the state, he would not have the power to make new laws but could issue regulations subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council. The judicial arm of the state remains intact and unaffected by the emergency declaration.
“This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution,” Tinubu added.
The President expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and order in Rivers State while ensuring compliance with constitutional mandates.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing since late 2023, with deep divisions between Governor Fubara and members of the state legislature. Several attempts at reconciliation, including interventions by the President and other well-meaning Nigerians, failed to resolve the dispute, ultimately leading to the federal government’s intervention.
This development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic governance, as the federal government takes unprecedented steps to restore order in one of the country’s key oil-producing states.
