JUST IN: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara

• Fubara Suspended as Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers State.

• Tinubu appoints Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Rivers State Administrator.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to prolonged crisis and unresolved political disagreement in the state.

This was made known in a nationwide address this evening, Tuesday 18th March 2025 and has led to the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

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The President invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to legitimize the state of emergency.

In his address this evening, President Tinubu said, “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.”

“No responsible President will stand by without taking action. To restore good governance and peace in this circumstance, it has become imperative to declare a state of emergency. By this declaration, Governor Fubara is hereby suspended.”

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This declaration comes amid recent  reports of increased vandalism of oil pipelines within Rivers State, especially the  explosions at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) as the Administrator of Rivers State to ensure continuity in  governance and maintenance of law and order.

The appointment of an administrator will help stabilize the state and address the pressing issues that led to the declaration of state of emergency.

This announcement of the president has elicited reactions from many Nigerians who took to their media platforms to express their views.

More details coming