BREAKING: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the escalating political crisis and failure of the state’s leadership to take necessary constitutional steps to address the situation.

Announcing the decision in a national broadcast, President Tinubu stated that the measure was in accordance with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to intervene in cases where governance is threatened.

“Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request a proclamation as required by the Constitution, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke Section 305,” the President said.

As part of the emergency declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have been suspended from office for an initial period of six months.

The President emphasized that this action was taken in the interest of the people of Rivers State, ensuring stability and restoring effective governance.

“By this declaration, the Governor, his Deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu stated.

To manage the affairs of the state during this period, President Tinubu has appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the Administrator of Rivers State.

The former Chief of Naval Staff is expected to restore order and oversee governance in the state.

“I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” the President announced.

While the executive and legislative arms of government have been affected by the emergency measures, the President clarified that the judicial arm of Rivers State remains intact.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate,” he assured.

The emergency declaration comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where a prolonged standoff between key political actors has threatened governance and stability.

The federal government’s intervention is expected to calm the crisis and pave the way for a long-term resolution.

Reactions to the President’s decision are expected to follow in the coming days as political stakeholders and residents assess the implications of the emergency rule on the state’s future.