President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. Tinubu made the announcement in a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, citing the need to restore law and order amid ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Following the declaration, military troops swiftly moved into the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt. A source revealed that Governor Fubara was still inside his official residence when soldiers arrived around 9 p.m. Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) were also stationed at key points around the government building. Witnesses reported seeing several Sports Utility Vehicles parked outside with their headlights on, but it remained unclear whether the governor was preparing to leave the premises.
As news of the emergency rule spread, residents and motorists in Port Harcourt rushed home, fearing possible unrest. Many gathered on the streets discussing the situation, with some expressing disappointment over the political crisis that led to the drastic measure.
Meanwhile, Tinubu defended his decision, stating that the political crisis in Rivers had defied peaceful resolution, stalled development, and denied the people the benefits of democracy. “By 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,” Tinubu announced.
He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the new state administrator, clarifying that the emergency rule would not affect the judicial arm of government, which would continue to function as usual. The President added that Ibas would not have the power to make new laws but could issue regulations, subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Shortly before the emergency declaration, explosions occurred at two oil pipeline locations in Rivers State. The first blast hit a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area, while another explosion was reported at a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Police confirmed the incidents and arrested two suspects. Authorities suspect the explosions might be linked to ongoing threats from militants warning of attacks on oil installations due to the political crisis. However, official statements have yet to confirm any direct connection between the blasts and the state of emergency.
In response to his suspension, Governor Fubara issued a statement urging Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He insisted that his administration had followed constitutional processes and made efforts to maintain peace despite opposition.
Fubara accused members of the State Assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike of frustrating his attempts to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment on the state’s political dispute. He maintained that his government had continued to function effectively despite the political crisis, paying salaries and executing development projects.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” Fubara stated.
The crisis between Governor Fubara and lawmakers aligned with former Governor Wike has deepened over the past few months. Despite a presidential intervention, tensions worsened after Fubara presented the state budget before only four lawmakers loyal to him, following the demolition of the Assembly building last year.
The Supreme Court later ruled that the 27 lawmakers who had defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remained legitimate members of the Assembly. The court also imposed a ₦10 million fine on Fubara for his actions and ordered the reinstatement of the 27 legislators.
On Monday, the State Assembly officially began impeachment proceedings against the governor, serving him and his deputy with a notice of alleged gross misconduct. This move further fueled concerns that the crisis could spiral out of control.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and opposition figures have strongly criticized the President’s decision, arguing that the Constitution does not grant him the authority to remove an elected governor or state legislature under a state of emergency.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), stated that the declaration was unconstitutional and a dangerous overreach of executive power. “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments. The Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials,” he said.
Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar accused Tinubu of political manipulation, blaming his administration for failing to prevent the crisis. “Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve political gamesmanship is nothing less than an assault on democracy,” Atiku posted on social media.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also rejected the emergency declaration, warning that it set a dangerous precedent for Nigerian democracy.
With security forces now in control of the Rivers Government House and an administrator appointed to run the state, uncertainty looms over the next steps. The National Assembly is expected to review Tinubu’s decision, while legal experts debate its constitutional validity.
