President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This decision was made after the governor and deputy governor of Rivers State failed to request the president’s intervention, as required by the Constitution.
The crisis in Rivers State has been ongoing, with the governor demolishing the House of Assembly in December 2023 and failing to rebuild it. Despite interventions by the president and other well-meaning Nigerians, the situation has continued to deteriorate.
The Supreme Court has also weighed in on the matter, declaring that the governor’s actions were unconstitutional and that there is effectively no government in Rivers State. The court ordered the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly, but this has yet to happen.
In light of these developments, President Tinubu has suspended the governor, deputy governor, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as administrator to take charge of the state’s affairs.
The declaration of a state of emergency grants the government sweeping powers to restore order and security in the state. The president has assured that the judicial arm of Rivers State will continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.
