By Abiola Olawale
In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, triggering a wave of mixed feelings.
The announcement, made in a nationwide broadcast at 7:00 PM, comes amid an escalating political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state, pitting Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State against his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In his address, Tinubu expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Rivers State, citing what he called the failure of repeated interventions to resolve the ongoing power struggle.
“I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State,” Tinubu stated.
“With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state,” he added.
The declaration invokes Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, suspending.Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd), a former military chief, has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.
Tinubu emphasized that the move was necessary to restore peace and order, noting that the state has been at a standstill since the crisis intensified.
The political turmoil in Rivers State has been marked by violent clashes. The unrest follows months of tension between Fubara and Wike, with the latter accused of orchestrating efforts and unprecedented moves to unseat the governor.
On Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, reportedly loyal to Wike, began an impeachment proceedings against Fubara and Odu, citing gross misconduct.
