In a significant move on March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly. This decision comes in response to ongoing political unrest that has severely disrupted governance and the delivery of essential services to the citizens.
President Tinubu expressed his deep concern over the prolonged crisis, which has rendered the state nearly ungovernable since the Governor’s controversial demolition of the House of Assembly on December 13, 2023. Efforts for a peaceful resolution have been largely ignored, prompting the President to take decisive action.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, highlighted significant constitutional violations by the Governor. The court asserted that the Governor’s actions dismantled the legislative arm of government, leaving Rivers State without proper governance. The ruling reaffirmed that 27 members of the House of Assembly, previously alleged to have defected, remain valid members and must be allowed to fulfill their legislative roles.
In light of these challenges, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, officially suspending the Governor and Assembly members for an initial six months. To oversee the state’s affairs during this critical period, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator.
The President emphasized that this declaration will not affect the judiciary’s functioning, which will continue to operate within its constitutional framework. The newly appointed Administrator will manage the state’s affairs without the authority to enact new laws unless approved by the Federal Executive Council.
This urgent intervention aims to restore stability and order in Rivers State, encouraging collaboration among all stakeholders for the benefit of the citizens.
For further developments on this unfolding situation, stay connected with Newspot Nigeria.
“A republic, if you can keep it.”
–Benjamin Franklin’s response to Elizabeth Willing Powel’s question: “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?”
