- President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to political instability.
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers were suspended for six months.
- Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) was sworn in as the sole administrator.
President Bola Tinubu has taken the unprecedented step of declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political turmoil, constitutional breaches, and security threats.
By invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature for an initial six-month period.
Political Turmoil in Rivers State: Tinubu’s Drastic Move
The Rivers State crisis has been simmering for months, fueled by a bitter struggle for political dominance. A major turning point was the defection of 27 lawmakers from the ruling PDP to the APC, heightening tensions between Governor Fubara and the state’s political elite. This internal discord led to allegations of governance breakdown and security threats, prompting Tinubu’s intervention.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, now assumes full control of Rivers State’s administration. His tenure will be closely watched as he navigates the state’s complex political landscape and seeks to restore order amid deep-seated factionalism. The judiciary, however, remains unaffected by the emergency rule, ensuring legal processes continue as usual.
This decision marks the first time in over a decade that a Nigerian president has imposed emergency rule. The last occurrence was in 2013 when former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three northeastern states due to Boko Haram’s insurgency. Unlike Jonathan, Tinubu has suspended elected officials, raising legal and political concerns over executive overreach.
The Nigerian Bar Association and civil society groups have criticized the move, arguing that an emergency declaration does not justify the dissolution of an elected government. Legal challenges and political resistance may follow, setting the stage for a heated constitutional battle in the coming weeks.
Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State has triggered both support and backlash. While his administration insists it was necessary to restore stability, critics warn of potential constitutional violations. The coming months will determine the political and legal ramifications of this extraordinary decision.
“When the rule of law is ignored for political expediency, democracy suffers.” – Barack Obama
