“President Bola Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Assembly Members”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!President Bola Tinubu has shocked many Nigerians with his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, citing political instability as the main reason. The president has also suspended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has been appointed as a sole administrator to oversee the state’s operations, and he has already commenced his duties.
This decision has sparked widespread debate across the country, with people offering varying opinions in support or criticism of President Tinubu’s move. Below are five major developments surrounding the state of emergency:
1. PDP Governors and CSO Seek Legal Clarity
Some governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including those from Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara states, have instructed their lawyers to approach the Supreme Court for an interpretation of Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution. They seek to determine if the president has the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members, as well as appoint a sole administrator under the proclamation of a state of emergency.
2. South-South Governors’ Reactions
While four out of the six governors in the South-South geopolitical zone have condemned the state of emergency, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, who chairs the South-South Governors Forum, argued that the political situation in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional criteria for such a declaration. However, the governors of Edo and Cross River states have expressed support for President Tinubu’s decision.
3. Civil Society Organizations Take Legal Action
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a prominent civil society organization, has filed a lawsuit against President Tinubu in the Federal High Court in Abuja. They argue that the suspension of the Rivers State governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members is unlawful, stressing that democracy and the rule of law must be upheld in Nigeria.
4. National Assembly’s Support Questioned
There is controversy over whether the National Assembly followed the constitutional requirements when voting to approve the state of emergency. According to legal experts, the use of a voice vote to determine the 2/3 majority required by the constitution for such a declaration is unconstitutional. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afam Osigwe has criticized this method, noting that the constitution mandates a roll-call vote to properly indicate the number of lawmakers in favor, against, and abstaining. Some members, including Senator Aminu Tambuwal, have raised concerns over the validity of the vote, stating that the attendance did not meet the required quorum.
5. Public Criticism and International Concerns
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has publicly condemned the situation in Rivers State, stating that it presents a negative image of Nigeria internationally. He accused the country’s leaders of “pretending to sleep” despite knowing the right course of action, highlighting the detrimental impact on foreign investments and international relations. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, a known ally of President Tinubu, also criticized the state of emergency declaration, calling it excessive. Soyinka urged affected citizens to challenge the move in the Supreme Court for a legal clarification.
In related news, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara made his first public appearance since the suspension at a church service in Port Harcourt on Sunday. Although he did not address the press, his presence helped dispel rumors that he had fled the state.
