UPDATED: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State
- Rejoice Nnadiugwu
- Mar 18
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 24
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, following the escalating political crisis and the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This dramatic move comes amid growing tensions between the governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which recently initiated impeachment proceedings against him and his deputy. The crisis has led to heightened instability, prompting federal intervention.
With the declaration of a state of emergency, governance in Rivers State may now be placed under direct federal control, with security forces likely to be deployed to maintain order.
UPDATE: Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) Appointed as Rivers State Administrator Amid State of Emergency
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state.
This decision comes in response to the ongoing political crisis and impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. With the state government now under federal control, Vice Admiral Ibas will be responsible for restoring stability and ensuring governance continues smoothly.
Security measures are expected to be heightened across Rivers State as federal authorities take charge.
Rivers State Under Emergency Rule—A Look at Past Precedents
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to oversee the state's affairs. This drastic measure follows the political crisis and impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time a Nigerian president has suspended a governor and imposed emergency rule:
2004 – Plateau State: After communal clashes left hundreds dead, President Olusegun Obasanjo suspended Governor Joshua Dariye and declared a state of emergency.
2006 – Ekiti State: Obasanjo took a similar step in Ekiti, suspending Governor Ayo Fayose over political instability.
What Happens Next?
With Vice Admiral Ibas now in charge, Rivers State is expected to experience heightened security measures and direct federal oversight. The situation remains tense as Nigerians await further developments.
Atiku Reacts: Calls Rivers State Emergency Declaration ‘Political Manipulation’
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, calling it an act of "political manipulation and outright bad faith."
The decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the state government and appoint Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator has sparked intense political debate.
Atiku’s reaction adds to the growing criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups, who view the move as a power grab rather than a response to genuine instability.
Full statement:
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State reeks of political manipulation and outright bad faith.
Anyone paying attention to the unfolding crisis knows that Bola Tinubu has been a vested partisan actor in the political turmoil engulfing Rivers. His blatant refusal or calculated negligence in preventing this escalation is nothing short of disgraceful.
Beyond the political scheming in Rivers, the brazen security breaches that led to the condemnable destruction of national infrastructure in the state land squarely on the President’s desk.
Tinubu cannot evade responsibility for the chaos his administration has either enabled or failed to prevent.
It is an unforgivable failure that under Tinubu’s watch, the Niger Delta has been thrown back into an era of violent unrest and instability — undoing the hard-won peace secured by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Years of progress have been recklessly erased in pursuit of selfish political calculations.
If federal infrastructure in Rivers has been compromised, the President bears full responsibility. Punishing the people of Rivers State just to serve the political gamesmanship between the governor and @officialABAT’s enablers in the federal government is nothing less than an assault on democracy and must be condemned in the strongest terms. -AA
BREAKING: Third Pipeline Explosion Hits Bayelsa Amid Rivers State Emergency Declaration
As President Bola Tinubu addressed the nation, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, yet another pipeline explosion rocked Gbarain Kingdom, Bayelsa State—the third such attack in a single day.
This latest explosion follows two earlier incidents, raising concerns over a potential coordinated attack on critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
Authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the explosions, but tensions are escalating as the region faces both political unrest and security threats.
BREAKING: Governor Fubara Addresses Rivers People Amid Political Crisis
In the wake of rising political tensions in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has penned an open letter to the people, reaffirming his commitment to peace, stability, and good governance.
In his address, Fubara expressed deep concern over the political turmoil gripping the state, emphasizing that his administration has consistently prioritized the security of lives and property, economic development, and adherence to constitutional order.
Despite efforts to implement President Tinubu’s peace intervention, the governor accused the Rivers State House of Assembly of frustrating all attempts at restoring order, making “genuine peace and progress difficult.”
Fubara highlighted that, despite political disagreements, salaries were paid, projects continued, and Rivers State remained safe under his leadership. However, the political crisis has now reached a boiling point, with reports of impeachment proceedings against him and a state of emergency declaration by the Presidency.
The governor urged the people of Rivers to remain peaceful and law-abiding, promising to engage with relevant institutions to defend democracy and the state’s future.
As uncertainty looms, Rivers people now await the next chapter in this unfolding political battle.
His full statement:
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF RIVERS STATE
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir, Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Did Tinubu Intentionally Appoint a Wike Loyalist as Rivers Administrator?
Following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, speculations have arisen regarding his choice of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the state’s new administrator.
Political analysts suggest that Ibas has close ties with former Governor Nyesom Wike, who remains a powerful political figure in Rivers and a key ally of President Tinubu. With the ongoing political feud between Governor Sim Fubara and Wike, many believe this appointment could be a strategic move to tilt control of the state in favor of Wike’s camp.
Governor Fubara, in his public address, emphasized that his administration had remained committed to constitutional order and good governance. However, his strained relationship with the state legislature—dominated by Wike’s loyalists—ultimately led to the current crisis.
While some argue that Ibas' appointment is a neutral military intervention to restore order, others believe it is a calculated political move to further sideline Fubara and consolidate Wike’s influence over Rivers State.
The big question remains: Will this appointment bring peace, or is it the beginning of a deeper political battle in Rivers?
More updates to come...
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