President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending key officials for six months.
The affected officials include Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected State House of Assembly members.
Tinubu cited prolonged political instability, constitutional violations, and escalating security threats as reasons for his extraordinary intervention in the state.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed sole administrator to oversee governance immediately.
Ibas Officially Sworn in as Rivers State Sole Administrator
On Wednesday afternoon, President Tinubu swore in Ibas at the State House, Abuja, amid top government officials’ presence.
The brief ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Others in attendance included Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, alongside several senior government officials and dignitaries.
Ibas, who previously served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, is expected to restore order and stabilize governance.
Why Tinubu Declared Emergency Rule in Rivers State
The political crisis in Rivers stems from a leadership struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike.
This power struggle caused governance paralysis, with escalating tensions, prompting federal intervention to prevent further breakdown of law.
Tinubu explained that the governor and deputy governor failed to request federal intervention despite the worsening political crisis.
“After carefully evaluating Rivers’ situation, I invoke Section 305 of Nigeria’s Constitution to declare a state of emergency.”
The president emphasized that judicial institutions in Rivers State would continue to function normally despite the executive suspensions.
While some support the intervention as necessary, others argue that it undermines democratic principles and elected officials’ legitimacy.
Further developments are expected as reactions from political stakeholders and citizens continue to unfold across the country.
