Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers: Supporters, Opponents, and National Assembly’s Decision
Photo of President Tinubu: Photo Credit: Dubawa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has sparked widespread reactions from Opponents and Supporters. While some view it as a necessary move to prevent political chaos, others see it as an unconstitutional overreach.
On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political crises and security concerns. This decision led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. To manage the state’s affairs during this period, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the administrator.
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President Tinubu had formally written to the House of Representatives seeking approval for the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. In his letter, he cited escalating political tensions and security concerns as the main reasons for the intervention, emphasising that these issues threatened governance and public safety.
Senate and House of Representatives Decision
Following Tinubu’s request, the Senate and House of Representatives deliberated on the matter and subsequently approved the declaration. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision after a majority of senators supported the motion through voice votes.
The Senate also decided to set up a committee of respected Nigerians to help settle the political dispute during the six-month emergency period.
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Individuals Who Support the Emergency Declaration
Ambassador Halimat Sadiya Hadi (CEO, HalHad International Limited): The business leader and public affairs analyst described the emergency rule as a “proactive and decisive” step by President Tinubu, aimed at preventing Rivers’ crisis from spiralling into civil unrest.
Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the move, arguing that the declaration “may have saved Governor Fubara from impeachment.” He explained that the political crisis had escalated to a level that required federal intervention. “The emergency rule is to stabilise governance, not to take over the state,” Fagbemi said.
Individuals Who Oppose the Emergency Declaration
Rotimi Amaechi, who once governed Rivers State and later served as a minister under the Buhari administration, condemned the move, calling it an “illegality that cannot stand.” He argued that the declaration was a violation of democratic principles and accused Tinubu’s administration of political interference.
“This is a dangerous precedent. If the President can remove an elected governor under the guise of an emergency, then democracy is under threat,” Amaechi stated.
Veteran journalist and public affairs analyst Azu Ishiekwene provided a different perspective, questioning the necessity of emergency rule when other constitutional solutions were available.
“Emergency rule should be a last resort. Rivers’ crisis, while serious, has not escalated to the level of complete anarchy requiring such drastic action,” he argued.
Organisations That Oppose the Emergency Declaration
South-South Governors’ Forum: Led by Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, rejected the emergency rule, stating that Rivers had not reached a crisis level requiring such intervention. “Rivers State is not at war. There are democratic institutions that can resolve these issues without undermining the authority of an elected governor,” the forum said.
PDP Governors’ Forum: The opposition PDP governors described the emergency rule as “illegal and unacceptable.” They argued that it was an unconstitutional way of removing an elected governor from office. “This move is politically motivated and sets a dangerous precedent. We call for its immediate reversal,” the Governors Forum said in a statement.
Rivers Elders Forum: A group of prominent elders from Rivers State condemned the declaration and called for disciplinary actions against former governor Nyesom Wike. “This emergency rule is an unnecessary and politically motivated attack on Rivers State’s sovereignty,” the elders said in a statement.
Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room: This civil society group strongly condemned the move, calling it an “assault on democracy.” “Suspending a governor through emergency rule is a clear violation of Nigeria’s constitution. We urge the judiciary to take immediate action against this illegality,” the group stated.
Other organisations, like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), have also raised concerns, warning against using emergency powers to weaken democracy.
Although the approval by the National Assembly gives Tinubu legal backing, strong opposition from political figures, civil society groups, and regional leaders indicates that this controversy is far from over.
The coming weeks will determine whether this decision brings stability or further deepens Nigeria’s political divide.