In a decisive move to address the escalating political and governance crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The declaration follows months of political unrest, constitutional violations, and a breakdown of governance in the state, including the prolonged suspension of legislative processes.
The crisis stems from the actions of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose administration has been accused of undermining democratic institutions. Among the most contentious issues was the illegal dissolution of the state legislature, which led to widespread instability and a governance vacuum. Despite multiple interventions, including a Supreme Court ruling in February 2025, the situation has continued to deteriorate.
In its February judgment, the Supreme Court declared that Rivers State had no functional government due to Governor Fubara’s unilateral actions. The court emphasized that “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that constitute the government of a state,” ruling that the governor’s dissolution of the legislature was unconstitutional. Additionally, the court affirmed that 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had allegedly defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), remained legitimate lawmakers and must be allowed to resume their duties. However, the state leadership has failed to comply with the court’s directives, particularly regarding the passage of the 2025 budget.
State of Emergency Declared
In a national address, President Tinubu expressed grave concern over the ongoing crisis, which has left the people of Rivers State without access to the benefits of democracy. “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis began, depriving the good people of Rivers State of the dividends of governance,” Tinubu stated. He also highlighted the alarming rise in violence and vandalism, particularly targeting critical infrastructure such as pipelines.
“Recent security reports reveal disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militant groups, with no decisive action taken by the state government to address these threats,” the President added. The declaration of a state of emergency aims to restore order, ensure the rule of law, and protect the lives and property of citizens in Rivers State.
The move underscores the federal government’s commitment to resolving the crisis and reinstating functional governance in the state. It also signals a broader effort to address the political and security challenges that have plagued Rivers State in recent months.