→ Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) Appointed as State Administrator
→ President Cites Security Concerns, Legislative Collapse as Justification
→READ MORE: Rivers Crisis: APC Chieftain Advises Fubara to Sack Commissioners, Halt LG Elections
Abuja – March 18, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, governance failures, and security threats. The declaration, announced in a nationwide broadcast, immediately suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
In their place, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the state’s administrator to oversee governance and restore order. The president, while emphasizing that the judiciary remains unaffected, said the move was necessary due to the breakdown of constitutional governance in the state.
Crisis Leading to the Emergency Declaration
The Rivers State political crisis, which began in late 2023, has seen repeated clashes between Governor Fubara and the House of Assembly. Tinubu noted that the governor had demolished the Assembly complex in December 2023 and failed to rebuild it for over 14 months, effectively stalling legislative functions.
The crisis worsened despite interventions from the presidency, respected national leaders, and civil society groups. Tinubu also referenced a February 28, 2025 Supreme Court judgment that ruled the absence of a functioning legislature meant that “no government exists in Rivers State.”
“The state has been at a standstill, depriving the people of democratic dividends,” Tinubu said. “My interventions and those of well-meaning Nigerians have been ignored.”
Security Concerns and Oil Pipeline Vandalism
The president further cited security threats, alleging that militants allied with political actors in the state had issued threats of violence. He stated that fresh incidents of oil pipeline vandalism had been reported, with the state government failing to act decisively.
“I have issued stern directives to security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and critical infrastructure,” Tinubu declared.
Next Steps and Federal Oversight
With this emergency declaration, Vice Admiral Ibas (Rtd) will take charge of the state’s administration but will not enact new laws. Instead, he will work under regulations approved by the Federal Executive Council and the President.
The declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative approval, as required by the constitution.
Tinubu expressed hope that the intervention would restore constitutional order, urging all political actors to uphold democratic principles.
