President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing rising incidents of pipeline vandalism and growing political instability. This decision comes as security concerns escalate in the oil-rich region, affecting the state’s governance and economic stability.
Why Was the State of Emergency Declared?
In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, President Tinubu announced the suspension of:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara
- Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu
- All members of the Rivers State House of Assembly
The emergency declaration will last for an initial six-month period, during which federal authorities will oversee governance in the state.
Security Concerns in Rivers State
According to the Nigerian government, recent security reports indicate:
- Increased pipeline vandalism by militants in the past 48 hours
- Lack of intervention by state authorities to curb the situation
- Political tension disrupting governance and law enforcement
Given these issues, the federal government deemed it necessary to intervene and restore order.
Who Will Govern Rivers State?
As part of the emergency measures, President Tinubu has appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the caretaker administrator of Rivers State. His role will be to stabilize the state and manage security operations during the six-month transition period.
Impact of the Emergency Rule
- Deployment of security forces to safeguard critical infrastructure
- Federal regulations to manage governance in Rivers State
- Uninterrupted judicial operations, ensuring legal matters continue as per the Nigerian constitution
The National Assembly will now review the state of emergency proclamation and decide whether to approve or reject the president’s decision.
What Happens Next?
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on:
- Federal security forces’ response to militancy
- Governor Fubara’s reaction to his suspension
- The National Assembly’s decision on the emergency rule
