President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the persistent political crisis that has plagued the state. In a national broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the situation, stating, “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.”

The president highlighted the demolition of the House of Assembly by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in December 2023, which has not been rebuilt, and the inability of the governor and the House to work together. He also mentioned the threats made by militants against perceived enemies of the governor and the vandalization of pipelines without any action from the governor.

President Tinubu noted that despite his personal interventions and efforts by other well-meaning Nigerians, the crisis has persisted. He stated, “With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution.”

The president invoked Section 305 of the Constitution to declare the state of emergency, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been nominated as Administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.

President Tinubu emphasized that the declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate. He expressed his hope that this intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State, saying, “Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole”.