Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor

Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor

By Fly Cable News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis and security threats.

In a national broadcast on March 18, 2025, Tinubu said governance in the state had collapsed following the demolition of the House of Assembly in December 2023 and the governor’s failure to restore legislative functions. The Supreme Court had also ruled that the state lacked a functioning government due to the ongoing crisis.

As part of emergency measures:
– Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers are suspended for six months.
– Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) is appointed as the Administrator to oversee governance.
– The judiciary remains operational, and all emergency regulations will require Federal Executive Council approval.

The proclamation has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly. Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore peace, order, and democratic governance in Rivers State.