…Appoints Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following prolonged political turmoil and security concerns.
To this end, the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the state House of Assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.
In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis, which he said had paralyzed governance in the state.
He cited the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and the failure to rebuild it as a major constitutional breach, along with continued tensions between the governor and lawmakers.
The Supreme Court, in a judgment on February 28, 2025, ruled that the absence of a functional legislature meant the state lacked a legitimate government, condemning what it described as “a collapse of the legislature” by Governor Fubara.
The court had ordered the immediate restoration of constitutional democracy, including the passage of an Appropriation Bill by the state assembly—an order that has not been fulfilled.
President Tinubu referenced recent security reports indicating a surge in militant activities, including pipeline vandalism, with no visible action from the state government to curb the threat.
“In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State… it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State,” the president stated.
To oversee the affairs of the state during this period, the President has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator.
He however clarified that the state judiciary would continue to function as mandated by the constitution.
The administrator, president Tinubu said, would not have the power to enact new laws but can propose necessary regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.
The emergency declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly.
President Tinubu expressed hope that this intervention would restore peace and constitutional order in Rivers State, ensuring the state returns to democratic governance.
