Rivers State has now joined the list of Nigerian states where a state of emergency has been declared since the return to democratic governance in 1999.
In a national address, President Bola Tinubu announced emergency rule in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.
Citing Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu stated, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025.”
He further explained that the suspension of the governor and other officials was necessary due to security concerns, including reports of pipeline bombings and militant activities in the state.
Before this, several states had experienced emergency rule due to security crises or political instability, including Plateau, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
Plateau State (2004)
The first state of emergency in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was declared in Plateau State in 2004 by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo following intense ethno-religious clashes. Governor Joshua Dariye was suspended, and retired Major General Chris Alli was appointed as the state’s interim administrator.
Ekiti State (2006)
In 2006, Obasanjo also imposed emergency rule in Ekiti State after the impeachment of Governor Ayodele Fayose triggered a political crisis. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed to oversee the state’s administration until stability was restored.
Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
In response to escalating Boko Haram insurgency, former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States in 2013. Security forces were directed to take decisive action against the insurgents and restore order in the affected regions.
Rivers State (2025)
The latest state of emergency declaration in Rivers State stemmed from a political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
President Tinubu attributed the decision to rising security threats and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, to oversee the state’s administration during the emergency period.
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