President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18.
The Nigerian president also suspended Governor Fubara and his deputy for six months. Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution interprets a state of emergency as a situation of national danger or disaster in which a government suspends normal constitutional procedures to regain control.
A state of emergency allows the President to immediately make any desired regulations to secure public order and safety.
The decision, which was broadcast live on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2025, marks a significant intervention in the ongoing political turmoil that has gripped the oil-rich state.
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The announcement follows months of escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and key political figures, including former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Reports indicate the move stems from allegations of constitutional breaches and governance failures, though specific details of the emergency declaration were not immediately disclosed in the broadcast.
Tinubu said:
โBy this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.โ
Watch the broadcast below:
The decision has sparked immediate reactions on social media, with X users expressing shock and concern.
Critics argue that the suspension collapses the stateโs legislative and executive branches, potentially leading to a governance vacuum.
Importance of Rivers to Nigeria
Rivers State is a critical economic hub due to its oil resources and it has been a focal point of political rivalry, particularly since Fubaraโs election in 2023, which followed a contentious split with Wike.
READ ALSO: Gov. Wike Launches Security Outfit, C4I In Rivers State
The state has seen protests, legal battles, and even the demolition of the state House of Assembly building in 2023, further deepening the crisis.
President Tinubuโs intervention, however, raises questions about federal overreach and the balance of power in Nigeriaโs federal system.
As of this report, no official response has been issued by Governor Fubara or his administration, and security measures in Rivers State are reportedly being heightened.
The development remains fluid, with analysts and citizens awaiting further clarification on the emergencyโs implications and the administrationโs next steps.
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