President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the escalating political crisis and instability in the region. The announcement came during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
In his address, President Tinubu revealed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State assembly have been suspended for an initial period of six months.
The President cited disturbing security reports of pipeline vandalization by militants, with apparent inaction from the state government to address these concerns. “I have given stern orders to the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines,” Tinubu stated.
According to the President, the decision to invoke Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) became necessary after “soberly reflecting on and evaluating the political situation” in Rivers State. He noted that neither the Governor nor the Deputy Governor had requested this proclamation as required by Section 305(5) of the Constitution.
“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,” President Tinubu concluded.
Following his suspension order, Vice Admiral Ibot Ete Ibas has now been announced as Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
