President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State has triggered a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria. His announcement, made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs.
The declaration follows months of escalating political tension between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. Pro-Wike lawmakers have clashed with the governor, creating a crisis that Tinubu described as a threat to governance in the state. He pointed to the December 2023 demolition of the state House of Assembly as a major constitutional breach, leaving Rivers without a functioning legislature for over a year.
“I have watched with concern, hoping the parties involved would find a peaceful resolution,” Tinubu said. “Unfortunately, that hope has faded. The people of Rivers State have been denied the dividends of democracy, and decisive action is necessary.”
Tinubu’s move has divided opinions across Nigeria. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the decision, calling it an “unconstitutional overreach” aimed at furthering Wike’s influence over the state. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba described the action as a “dangerous precedent” that undermines Nigeria’s democracy.
Conversely, the All Progressives Congress (APC) defended Tinubu’s decision, arguing that governance had broken down in Rivers State and that firm action was required. APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje stated, “This intervention is about restoring stability. Leadership comes with tough choices, and the President has made one in the interest of the people.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns about the legality of the President’s actions. NBA President Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, argued that Tinubu lacked the constitutional authority to suspend an elected governor. “A state of emergency does not grant the President the power to remove or suspend elected officials,” Maikyau said. “This decision, if left unchecked, could set a dangerous precedent where the executive arm of government arbitrarily dismisses elected officials.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana also questioned the move, warning that it could lead to legal battles. “The President should have explored alternative dispute resolution mechanisms instead of overriding the Constitution,” he said. In other news, iNaijanow shared a post on Lagos’ PDP readiness to unite against APC in the coming election.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticized the suspension, stating that democracy should be upheld regardless of political crises. “Leaders must respect the mandate of the people. The use of emergency powers in this manner is troubling,” Atiku tweeted.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State expressed similar concerns, emphasizing that “political disputes should be settled within democratic frameworks, not through executive orders.”
However, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola supported Tinubu’s intervention, calling it a “necessary step to protect the rule of law.” He argued that the crisis had reached a point where external mediation was required.
On social media, reactions have been divided. One X user, Diplomat Tunde Gesinde, praised Tinubu’s decision, writing, “This is a commendable step to restore governance in Rivers. Leadership requires bold actions.”
However, another user, Ogakwu Abaros, disagreed, arguing, “This is an attack on democracy. If Wike is the problem, why not remove him from Tinubu’s cabinet instead?”
With Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) now appointed as the administrator to oversee the state, questions remain about how Rivers will function over the next six months. Many are anticipating legal challenges, and it remains to be seen whether the judiciary will uphold or overturn Tinubu’s decision. Rivers State remains at the center of Nigeria’s political discourse, as the nation watches how this high-stakes decision unfolds.
