President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the prolonged political crisis and instability in the region. In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
This decision was made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which permits the President to declare a state of emergency in situations deemed to pose national danger or disaster.
In his address, Tinubu explained that the declaration followed a thorough evaluation of the political turmoil in Rivers State and the failure of the governor and deputy governor to request federal intervention as mandated by Section 305(5) of the Constitution. He emphasized that this step was necessary to restore public order and safety in the state.
A state of emergency grants the President extraordinary powers to issue regulations aimed at maintaining peace and stability. This measure comes amid escalating violence in Rivers State, including arson attacks on local government secretariats and reports of fatalities during clashes between political factions.
The unrest has raised concerns about its potential impact on national stability, particularly given Rivers State’s strategic importance as an oil-producing region.
The political crisis in Rivers State has been marked by disputes among key stakeholders, including Governor Fubara and other political leaders. Despite earlier interventions by Tinubu and calls for adherence to court rulings, tensions have persisted. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and other groups had previously urged Tinubu to take decisive action to resolve the conflict, warning of its far-reaching consequences.
The President has directed law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety and protect government facilities from further vandalism. Additional updates on this developing situation are expected.
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