President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the ongoing political crisis.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday night, the president cited escalating unrest, including the destruction of several oil pipelines by militants, as the key reasons for his decision. He noted that neither Governor Siminalayi Fubara nor his deputy had reached out to him during the crisis, leaving him with no choice but to act.
“Fellow Nigerians, I am deeply troubled by the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I had hoped that the parties involved would resolve their differences amicably. Unfortunately, that has not been the case,” Tinubu stated.
He emphasized that the prolonged crisis had stalled governance and deprived the people of the state of democratic dividends. The president also criticized Governor Fubara for demolishing the Rivers State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, and failing to rebuild it 14 months later.
“Despite my personal interventions and efforts by well-meaning Nigerians to mediate, the crisis persists. The Supreme Court, in its ruling on February 28, 2025, made it clear that the governor’s actions have effectively collapsed the legislative arm of government, leaving the state without a functional government,” he added.
Tinubu referenced the Supreme Court’s verdict, which upheld the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers previously deemed defectors and condemned the governor’s refusal to acknowledge their authority.
The president further expressed concern over security threats in the state, including militant activities and pipeline vandalization. He accused the governor of failing to take necessary action to address these issues.
“No responsible president can stand by and allow this grave situation to continue. After careful reflection and in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, I hereby declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective March 18, 2025,” Tinubu declared.
This decision marks a significant intervention by the federal government in the state’s affairs, aimed at restoring governance, peace, and security.
