President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions, security concerns, and alleged breaches of constitutional order by key government officials in the state.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu addressed the nation, expressing deep concern over the deteriorating political situation in Rivers State. He specifically accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of orchestrating the demolition of the State House of Assembly complex, which he described as an attack on democratic institutions in the state.
The president stated that after careful assessment and consultations with key stakeholders, including security agencies and members of the National Assembly, it was determined that decisive action was necessary to restore stability, law, and order in the state.
As part of the emergency declaration, President Tinubu announced the immediate suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for an initial period of six months. In addition to this, all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have also been suspended from their respective offices.
In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) as the Administrator of Rivers State, with the mandate to oversee the governance of the state during the emergency period. The president emphasized that Ibas' role would be strictly limited to ensuring the maintenance of order, facilitating governance, and preventing further breakdowns in law and order.
Furthermore, Tinubu clarified that the declaration of the state of emergency would not affect the judicial arm of the state government. He assured that the judiciary would continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate, and the courts would remain independent in their operations.
He also highlighted that while the appointed Administrator has the authority to govern the state during this period, he will not have the power to create or enforce new laws. Instead, any necessary regulatory measures proposed by the Administrator would be subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) before implementation.
The president’s decision to impose emergency measures came after a high-level security meeting held earlier in the day at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which commenced at approximately 3:00 PM, was attended by key figures, including:
✔ Chief of Defense Staff and Service Chiefs
✔ Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun
✔ Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
✔ Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele
✔ Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas
✔ Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu
President Tinubu reiterated that the move was aimed at preventing further political instability, restoring democratic processes, and safeguarding the peace and security of Rivers State.
More updates to follow as the situation unfolds…
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Pres Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State🧎🏻♂️➡️pic.twitter.com/hXWw37CtsS
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) March 18, 2025