Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor Fubara and Lawmakers, Appoints Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Administrator
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in a nationwide broadcast, where the President cited escalating political instability and security threats, including recent acts of vandalism on oil pipelines by militant groups.
The decision comes after months of rising political tension between Governor Fubara and pro-Wike lawmakers, which had resulted in legislative disputes, security concerns, and governance paralysis. President Tinubu, in justifying the drastic measure, stated that his administration could no longer stand by while Rivers State spiraled into chaos, lawlessness, and economic sabotage. He emphasized that recent security intelligence indicated that militant activities had intensified, with critical oil infrastructure coming under attack while the state government failed to act decisively.
In response to the crisis, President Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State, granting him full control over the affairs of the state during the emergency period. His appointment is expected to bring stability, security, and disciplined governance to the troubled state, given his extensive background in military strategy, leadership, and national security.
Born on September 27, 1960, in Nko, Cross River State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas has had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, where he served as the 22nd Chief of Naval Staff from July 2015 to January 2021 before retiring. His vast experience in maritime security, counterinsurgency operations, and governance makes him a strong choice to oversee the administration of Rivers State during this critical period. After retiring from active military service, he transitioned into diplomacy and served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ghana, further broadening his expertise in strategic international relations.
The President’s decision to impose emergency rule has sparked widespread reactions across political circles, civil society organizations, and the general public. Supporters of the move argue that it is a necessary intervention to restore order and protect critical infrastructure, especially given the economic significance of Rivers State as one of Nigeria’s largest oil-producing states. Critics, however, have raised constitutional concerns, questioning the legality of suspending an elected government without due process and warning of potential democratic backsliding.
Before the declaration, political tension in Rivers State had reached a boiling point. The crisis originated from an intense power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The fallout between the two had led to an attempted impeachment of Fubara by pro-Wike lawmakers, an incident that nearly resulted in a full-blown constitutional crisis. Although a peace deal was brokered under President Tinubu’s mediation, tensions continued to fester, spilling over into violent clashes, arson attacks on local government offices, and administrative dysfunction.
The Supreme Court ruling on the legitimacy of the Rivers State House of Assembly members further deepened the crisis. The court had ruled that Governor Fubara had voluntarily withdrawn his case challenging the defection of 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, effectively recognizing their continued membership in the legislature. This verdict strengthened the opposition against Fubara while leaving the state in a state of political deadlock. With the legislative and executive arms of government paralyzed, governance in the state suffered, leading to delays in budget implementation, stalled development projects, and a weakened security structure.
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The economic implications of the crisis have been severe, with businesses experiencing disruptions, investors pulling out, and oil production facing serious threats due to pipeline vandalism. The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Rivers State, which heavily depends on commercial activities in Port Harcourt, has taken a significant hit. Financial experts warn that continued instability could worsen unemployment, slow down infrastructure development, and erode public confidence in the state’s governance structure.
According to Vanguard, political analysts have weighed in on the situation, with Professor Busuyi Mekusi, a political expert, describing the declaration of a state of emergency as both “a strategic move and a dangerous precedent.” He noted that while the intervention could restore security, it also raises concerns about executive overreach, particularly in a democracy where elected officials are expected to complete their tenure.
Reactions have also poured in from opposition parties, human rights activists, and civil society groups, some of whom have vowed to challenge the legality of Tinubu’s decision in court. Meanwhile, the President has assured that the emergency rule will be strictly temporary, with a review set for the end of the six-month period to determine if normal governance can be restored.
Vice Admiral Ibas is expected to assume office immediately, working closely with security agencies to restore peace, protect infrastructure, and ensure continuity of essential government functions. With Rivers State now under direct federal control, all eyes will be on how the administration navigates the political crisis and what the long-term implications will be for Nigerian democracy and federal-state relations.
As the situation continues to unfold, there remains uncertainty over how Governor Fubara and his supporters will respond, whether legal battles will arise, and if the people of Rivers State will embrace the new leadership or resist it. One thing remains clear—Nigeria is entering uncharted political territory, and the developments in Rivers State could have far-reaching consequences for governance across the country.
