Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara, Deputy, and Assembly Lawmakers

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months. The announcement was made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, citing constitutional provisions and the failure of the state government to address critical issues, including the demolition of the House of Assembly and vandalism of oil pipelines.

Reasons for the Declaration
In his address, President Tinubu highlighted several reasons for the drastic measures, including the governor’s failure to rebuild the demolished House of Assembly and his inability to address the vandalism of oil pipelines in the state.

“The governor of Rivers State demolished the House of Assembly but has failed to rebuild the building till date. Many Nigerians have intervened, and leaders of thought have intervened, all to no avail,” Tinubu stated.

He also referenced the Supreme Court’s ruling, which emphasized that a government cannot function without an arm of government. “The latest security report shows that there has been vandalism of oil pipelines in Rivers State, and the governor has not taken any step,” he added.

Invoking Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, Tinubu declared, “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.”

PDP Criticizes Supreme Court Ruling
The declaration comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, exacerbated by a recent Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025. The court addressed the defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the withholding of the state’s monthly statutory allocation.

The PDP in Rivers State strongly criticized the ruling, accusing the apex court of bias and granting reliefs on matters not presented before it. In a statement issued by the party’s Acting Chairman, Hon. Nname Robinson Ewor, the PDP claimed the court overstepped its jurisdiction by making determinations on issues not initiated by the litigants.

Background of the Crisis
The political crisis in Rivers State stems from a deep rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Despite Wike’s instrumental role in securing Fubara’s election victory under the PDP, tensions arose when Fubara began asserting independence from Wike’s political influence.

The conflict escalated in December 2023 when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC, citing internal party disputes and loss of confidence in the PDP leadership. Their defection left Fubara with minimal legislative support, threatening his ability to govern effectively.

Attempted Impeachment and Assembly Demolition
Before the defection, the pro-Wike lawmakers had initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara in October 2023. In response, Fubara attempted to dissolve the assembly, leading to a physical confrontation and the burning of the state assembly complex. The demolition of the assembly building further deepened the crisis, with Fubara accused of failing to rebuild it.

Implications of the State of Emergency
The declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of key state officials mark a significant escalation in the political crisis. The move underscores the federal government’s concern over the deteriorating security and governance situation in Rivers State, a critical hub for Nigeria’s oil production.

The suspension of Governor Fubara and the assembly lawmakers raises questions about the future of governance in the state. It also highlights the broader challenges of political instability and the struggle for control between state and federal authorities.

Reactions and Next Steps
The PDP has condemned the suspension, describing it as an overreach of federal power and a threat to democracy. The party has called for a reversal of the decision and urged the federal government to focus on addressing the root causes of the crisis rather than imposing emergency rule.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The declaration of a state of emergency is expected to have far-reaching implications for Rivers State’s political landscape and Nigeria’s federal structure.