FOR THE RECORD: President Tinubu’s Address Suspending Governor Fubara, Rivers House Of Assembly

Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring a State of Emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Fellow Nigerians,

I come to you today with a heavy heart regarding the political crisis that has engulfed Rivers State. Like many of you, I have observed the unfolding events with deep concern, hoping that all parties involved would act in the best interests of the people and resolve the situation swiftly. Unfortunately, that hope has not been realized, and the crisis has persisted without a meaningful resolution.

This prolonged crisis has made it impossible for democratic governance to function effectively in the state, undermining the ability of the people of Rivers to benefit from the dividends of democracy. The state has come to a standstill, and its people have been deprived of the services and leadership they deserve.

It is also widely known that, for no justifiable reason, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, ordered the demolition of the state House of Assembly on December 13, 2023. Despite this destructive action, more than fourteen months later, the assembly has not been rebuilt. I have personally made several attempts to intervene in this matter, engaging with both sides to mediate and find a peaceful resolution. Unfortunately, these efforts have largely been ignored.

Additionally, many well-meaning Nigerians, including leaders of thought and various patriotic groups, have stepped in to assist in resolving the crisis. Despite their good intentions, their interventions have not yielded the desired results, and I express my gratitude for their efforts.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court rendered a judgment concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several unconstitutional acts and violations of the rule of law committed by Governor Fubara. The court declared, in no uncertain terms, that:

“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is, there is no government in Rivers State.”

This pronouncement was made after a series of judicial findings against Governor Fubara for constitutional breaches. The court also ruled that the 27 members of the state House of Assembly, who were alleged to have defected, remain valid members and must be allowed to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly. The court also ordered the immediate passage of an Appropriation Bill by the House of Assembly, which has yet to occur.

Moreover, there have been reports of threats and violence from militants aligned with the governor, and yet, Governor Fubara has failed to distance himself from these groups or take action to curtail such activities. This, coupled with the failure of the governor and the Assembly to work together for the good governance of the state, has further exacerbated the situation.

Recent security reports indicate that, between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, yet the governor has not taken any action to address this. I have, however, instructed the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of oil pipelines in Rivers State.

Given the gravity of the situation, it is clear that no responsible president would stand by and allow such a crisis to continue without taking appropriate action. After careful reflection and consideration of the constitutional provisions available to me, it has become necessary for me to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, effective today, 18th March 2025.

By this declaration, I hereby suspend the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I am appointing Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator of Rivers State to oversee the affairs of the state in the interest of the people. For the sake of clarity, this declaration does not affect the judiciary of Rivers State, which will continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws, but may formulate regulations necessary for carrying out his duties. Any such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, and a copy has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution.

I sincerely hope that this necessary intervention will help restore peace, order, and constitutional governance in Rivers State. It is my earnest expectation that all stakeholders will come to terms with the constitutional imperatives that bind them, and I am confident that this intervention will lead to the restoration of peace and good governance in the state.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure, and democratic Rivers State, and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.