President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following a prolonged political crisis and governance stagnation. The president cited security reports detailing incidents of vandalism by militants and the current political crisis as key factors in his decision.
Prior to the declaration, the Nigerian Police had been investigating the cause of a recent explosion in Rivers State that resulted in a fire along the Trans Niger Pipeline—one of Nigeria’s major crude oil transportation arteries. The incident raised significant concerns about the security of the nation’s oil infrastructure.
The Niger Delta, a crucial hub for Nigeria’s crude oil production, has long been plagued by militant activities and other criminal groups seeking to disrupt operations and siphon resources. Adding to the instability, Rivers State has been engulfed in a fierce political power struggle between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Their ongoing rivalry has led to unrest and violent clashes, as both factions vie for dominance.
The crisis escalated further when the Rivers State House of Assembly—largely loyal to former Governor Wike—voted for Governor Fubara’s removal, citing allegations of executive overreach, financial mismanagement, and security threats. The divide among lawmakers deepened when 27 legislators defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with Wike. Meanwhile, four lawmakers loyal to Fubara secured a court order allowing them to take control of the state assembly, intensifying the conflict. The resulting chaos has plunged the state into paralysis.
Amid these growing tensions and the economic impact—particularly on oil production—President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, in a nationwide broadcast. In his address, he criticized the state’s governing bodies for their failure to resolve the crisis and announced sweeping suspensions of key officials.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers.” President Tinubu said in his speech. “The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance.
“Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians, including myself, have intervened, but to no avail.
“No responsible president will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency.
“By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.
“In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
“The Administrator will not make any new laws. However, he will be permitted to formulate regulations as necessary to carry out his duties. These regulations will require consideration and approval by the Federal Executive Council before being promulgated by the President for the state.
“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. It is my fervent hope that this necessary intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State by reminding all political actors of their constitutional responsibilities.”
Following the declaration, both the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State have been suspended, leaving the judiciary—headed by Justice Simeon Amadi—and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas in charge of the state’s affairs until further notice.
Despite the president’s justification for his intervention, many legal and political analysts are debating whether he has the constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency in this manner—especially one that includes suspending an elected governor and legislative body.
Today, the National Assembly comprising the Senate and House of Representatives ratified the Presidential Declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State.
