By Patrick Idowu
President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political instability.
In a nationwide address on Tuesday, the president announced the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state assembly for an initial period of six months.
Tinubu explained that the decision was necessary after careful evaluation of the crisis, emphasizing that the governor and his deputy failed to formally request federal intervention as required by the Constitution.
Invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu said, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025.”
To stabilize the state, the president appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, as the new administrator.
The declaration marks a critical turning point in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.
