President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a move that has sent shockwaves across the nation. The announcement, made during a nationwide broadcast, comes as a response to the intensifying political crisis that has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state. In a historic decision, President Tinubu also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months, citing the breakdown of constitutional order and the failure of state leadership to resolve the ongoing turmoil.
It will be recalled that the political unrest in Rivers State has been brewing for months, primarily driven by a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rivalry, which pits Wike’s loyalists against Fubara’s administration, reached a tipping point in recent weeks. One of the most glaring symbols of this discord was the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex by Governor Fubara on December 13, 2023—an action that has yet to be rectified, leaving the state legislature without a functional chamber for over 14 months.
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The situation escalated further when the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Assembly, aligned with Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu on March 17, 2025, accusing them of gross misconduct. Among the allegations were claims that Fubara appointed officials without adhering to constitutional screening processes and bypassed the legitimate Assembly. These developments plunged Rivers State into a governance standstill, prompting widespread calls for federal intervention.
In his broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State, describing it as a threat to peace, stability, and Nigeria’s democratic framework. “Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State,” he stated. He highlighted his unsuccessful attempts to mediate between the warring factions, noting that both his personal efforts and those of other well-meaning Nigerians had been ignored.
Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Tinubu declared the state of emergency effective immediately. He emphasized that the Governor and Deputy Governor had failed to request his intervention as required under the Constitution, leaving him no choice but to act unilaterally to restore order. “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players,” he added.
The declaration was accompanied by the immediate suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly. Reports indicate that President Tinubu has appointed retired military chief Ekwe Ibas to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency period. This drastic measure effectively removes all elected officials from office, placing Rivers State—a critical hub of Nigeria’s oil industry—under temporary federal control.
