On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance. The decision, announced in a national broadcast, was justified by the president as a necessary measure to address the prolonged political crisis, breakdown of law and order, and threats to national security in the oil-rich state. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period.

Tinubu cited the governor’s alleged unconstitutional actions, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and failure to rebuild it, as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the state effectively without a functional government. He also highlighted recent pipeline vandalism by militants and the inability of the executive and legislative arms to work together as reasons for the declaration. Tinubu emphasized that the move was aimed at restoring peace, order, and democratic governance in the state.

However, the declaration has been met with widespread condemnation from political leaders, legal experts, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians, who argue that the president’s actions are unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Political Opposition and Legal Challenges

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Governor Fubara belongs, rejected the declaration, calling it an “utter violation” of the 1999 Constitution. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the president lacks the power to suspend a democratically elected governor and described the move as an attempt to impose undemocratic rule and undermine the will of Rivers State voters. He also accused Tinubu of seeking to advance the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticized Tinubu for being a “vested partisan actor” in the crisis. Atiku accused the president of enabling the chaos and failing to prevent the destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers State. He described the declaration as “political manipulation” and an assault on democracy.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the move, with its president, Afam Osigwe, stating that the suspension of elected officials under a state of emergency is unconstitutional. The NBA warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic governance. Legal experts, including human rights lawyer Morakinyo Olasupo, argued that the president cannot suspend a democratically elected governor without following due legal processes, such as impeachment by the state House of Assembly or a court order.

South-South Leaders and Civil Society React

South-South leaders and stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), criticized the declaration as ill-advised and politically motivated. Former Akwa Ibom Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko described the move as part of a “script” to take control of Rivers State, while former Ijaw Youth Council president Eric Omare accused Tinubu of bias in favor of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the crisis.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) condemned the declaration as an act of oppression against the Ijaw people, while former MOSIEND spokesman Amaebi Clarkson called it a “well-oiled script” aimed at influencing the 2027 elections.

Public Outcry and Mixed Reactions

Nigerians on social media expressed mixed reactions to the declaration. While some supported the move as necessary to restore order, others criticized it as an overreach and a threat to democracy. Many questioned the legality of suspending elected officials and accused Tinubu of double standards, noting that other regions facing severe security challenges, such as the North-East and South-East, have not been subjected to similar measures.

Users like Ebovi Wali Global highlighted the perceived inconsistency, stating, “IPOB and UGM ravaged the East, no state of emergency. Boko Haram and herdsmen ravaged the North, no state of emergency.” Others, such as Jamilu Sufi, questioned the democratic legitimacy of the move, asking, “How can you suspend a democratically elected governor? Is this a democracy or a one-man dictatorship?”