Rivers State has now joined the list of states in Nigeria where a state of emergency has been declared since the country returned to democratic governance in 1999.
In a national address, President Bola Tinubu announced the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, leading to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials for an initial period of six months.
This decision followed reports about an alleged plan to enforce emergency measures in the state.
Citing 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, several other states had experienced emergency rule due to security crises or political instability, including Plateau, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.
Plateau State (2004)
The first state of emergency under Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was declared in Plateau State by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, following a surge in ethno-religious violence.
As a result, Governor Joshua Dariye was removed from office, and retired Major General Chris Alli was appointed as the state’s administrator until normalcy was restored.
Ekiti State (2006)
In 2006, Obasanjo imposed emergency rule in Ekiti State after the impeachment of Governor Ayodele Fayose triggered political unrest.
Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the period of emergency rule.
Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
Amid escalating insurgency by Boko Haram, former President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States in 2013.
He directed security forces to take decisive action to end the insurgents’ activities and restore order in the affected states.
Rivers State (2025)
A political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, led to the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State.
President Tinubu cited security threats, including pipeline bombings and militant activities, as reasons for the decision.
He also announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021, to oversee the state’s administration during the emergency period.