Breaking News: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State Amid Political Crisis

Abuja, March 18, 2025 – In a dramatic move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The announcement, delivered in a nationwide broadcast, marks a significant escalation in the federal government’s response to the protracted political crisis that has paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state.

Citing a litany of constitutional breaches, including the governor’s demolition of the State House of Assembly in December 2023 and his failure to rebuild it 14 months later, President Tinubu painted a grim picture of a state in disarray. He referenced a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which declared that the absence of a functioning legislature had effectively collapsed democratic governance in Rivers, accusing Fubara of ruling “as a despot.” The president also pointed to recent security threats, including pipeline vandalism by militants allegedly aligned with the governor, as justification for his extraordinary action.

Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period, tasked with restoring order without the power to enact new laws. The judiciary, however, remains unaffected, a move Tinubu emphasized to underscore the intervention’s limited scope.

President Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency is a calculated yet risky maneuver, reflecting both his administration’s impatience with the Rivers crisis and a broader strategy to consolidate power ahead of the 2027 general election. As a seasoned political operator, Tinubu has framed this as a necessary step to safeguard democracy and protect the “good people of Rivers State.” However, beneath the constitutional rhetoric lies a complex web of motives and implications.

1. Restoring Federal Authority: The Rivers crisis, fueled by a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike—now a key Tinubu ally—has embarrassed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). By stepping in, Tinubu signals that his administration will not tolerate ungovernable states, particularly in the economically vital Niger Delta.

2. Neutralizing a Political Threat: Fubara, a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defied federal mediation efforts, including those personally led by Tinubu. His suspension weakens the PDP’s grip on Rivers, a state with significant electoral weight, and strengthens the APC’s foothold in the South-South region.

3. Economic Imperatives: Rivers State is a linchpin of Nigeria’s oil industry. The reported pipeline vandalism and the governor’s perceived inaction threatened national revenue streams—a red line for Tinubu, whose economic agenda hinges on stability in the Niger Delta.

4. Judicial Backing: The Supreme Court’s scathing judgment provided Tinubu with the legal cover to act decisively. By aligning his decision with the court’s findings, he deflects accusations of overreach, though critics may still question the timing and political undertones.

5. Critical Perspective: A Double-Edged Sword

While Tinubu’s move may restore short-term stability, it is fraught with risks. Suspending elected officials and appointing an administrator—albeit a respected retired naval officer—smacks of authoritarianism, a charge the opposition is already amplifying. The PDP has decried the declaration as a “power grab,” and Fubara’s supporters may rally against what they see as a federal conspiracy with Wike, potentially igniting unrest in a state already on edge.

Moreover, the exclusion of the judiciary and the limitation on the administrator’s legislative powers are clever hedges, but they may not fully mitigate perceptions of bias. The reliance on Federal Executive Council approval for regulations could also bog down governance, undermining the efficiency Tinubu promises.

Looking ahead to 2027, this decision is a clear play to reshape Rivers’ political dynamics in the APC’s favor. Wike, a formidable powerbroker and Tinubu’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, stands to benefit most. His rivalry with Fubara has destabilized the PDP, and a six-month emergency rule offers a window to dismantle his successor’s influence. Should the APC install a loyalist governor in the aftermath, Tinubu’s re-election bid—or that of his chosen successor—would gain a crucial boost in the South-South.

Yet, the gambit could backfire. If the emergency period fails to deliver tangible governance improvements, or if it alienates Rivers’ electorate, the APC risks losing ground in a region it has struggled to penetrate. Tinubu’s personal involvement in failed mediations also ties his credibility to the outcome—a high-stakes bet for a president navigating economic challenges and regional tensions.

President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a bold assertion of federal might, cloaked in constitutional duty but steeped in political strategy. For the people of Rivers, it promises respite from a governance vacuum; for Tinubu, it’s a step toward securing his legacy and the APC’s future. Whether this intervention heralds peace or sows the seeds of greater discord will depend on its execution—and the volatile currents of Nigerian politics as 2027 looms.