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Summary
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers for six months. He cited political instability and governance paralysis as reasons for the move and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator. The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many political activists questioning its legality and implications for democracy
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly members for six months. He made the announcement in a nationwide emergency broadcast on Tuesday, Mar. 19, 2025, citing prolonged political turmoil and a governance crisis in the oil-rich state.
In his broadcast, President Tinubu expressed concern over the situation, particularly the unresolved conflict between the governor and the state legislature.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance,” he said.
He pointed to the lingering effects of the demolition of the House of Assembly complex by Fubara’s administration 14 months ago. Despite interventions from various stakeholders, including himself, Tinubu said efforts to resolve the crisis had failed. “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.”
President Tinubu then announced the suspension of Fubara and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s new administrator, saying the move was in the interest of Rivers residents.
The declaration came just hours after another explosion was reported at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Earlier in the day, the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), also caught fire, further escalating tensions in the state.
The decision has sparked widespread reactions, particularly on social media. Many Nigerians on X (formerly Twitter) have questioned the legality and implications of Tinubu’s move.
Political commentator Moe criticised the appointment of a military officer as administrator, stating, “The naval chief who is the replacement of the Governor of Rivers State is not an elected official, so who exactly is he accountable to? What the President is trying to do here sets a dangerous precedent and it should not stand.”
Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu declared her solidarity with the state, tweeting, “I Stand With The People Of Rivers State!”
Savvy Rinu, a well-known advocate, reacted sarcastically to the decision, tweeting, “He installed a naval chief in a riverine state. Tinubu, master strategist! The master planner.”
Feminist and podcaster Jollz expressed frustration, stating, “It’s not fair oh. Nigeria is so unfair to the Niger Delta.” She also went on to ask if a President can suspend the governor of a state. In response, lawyer and entertainer Falz weighed in on the legality of the move, simply quoting , “Simple answer is NO.”
X user Adedeji questioned why the President did not address the ongoing influence of former Rivers governor Nyesom Wike in the state’s affairs, writing, “How do you declare a state of emergency when you can just call Wike to order? WTF is this man doing?”
President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers raises significant constitutional and political questions. The Nigerian Constitution grants the President authority to declare a state of emergency under extreme circumstances, but legal experts argue that suspending an elected governor and legislature without due process could set a controversial precedent.
As tensions rise, stakeholders in Rivers and beyond will watch closely to see how the situation unfolds and whether legal challenges emerge against the President’s decision.
