Rivers State has become the latest Nigerian state to come under a state of emergency since the nation transitioned to democratic governance in 1999.
President Bola Tinubu, in a national address, announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials for an initial six-month period as part of the emergency measures.
This came shortly after reports surfaced about plans to impose emergency rule in the state.
Referencing Section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Tinubu stated, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025, and I so do.”
He further explained, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
Before this, other states had previously experienced emergency rule due to security challenges or political crises, including Plateau, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
Plateau State (2004)
The first instance of emergency rule under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic occurred in Plateau State in 2004, declared by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo in response to escalating ethno-religious violence.
Governor Joshua Dariye was removed from office, and retired Major General Chris Alli was appointed as administrator to restore order.
Ekiti State (2006)
In 2006, a state of emergency was declared in Ekiti State after the impeachment of Governor Ayodele Fayose led to political instability.
Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed to oversee the state during the emergency period.
Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
As Boko Haram’s insurgency intensified, former President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States in 2013.
He directed the military to take necessary steps to counter the activities of insurgents and restore normalcy in the affected regions.
Rivers State (2025)
A lingering political dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, led to the latest declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
Citing security threats, including pipeline vandalism and militant activities, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Nigeria’s former Chief of Naval Staff (2015-2021), to oversee the state’s administration during the period of emergency rule.