Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State: FG Clears Wike of Involvement
The Federal Government has justified President Bola Tinubu’s decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to prevent a total breakdown of governance. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, emphasized that the move was in response to the deteriorating political situation and that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, was not responsible for the crisis.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Fagbemi assured that Rivers State’s financial allocations would be managed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), who has been appointed as the state’s sole administrator.
“If the administrator requests it, the allocation will be released to him. This decision aligns with the extraordinary situation that has taken the state out of the regular governance process,” Fagbemi stated.
Timely Intervention to Prevent Governance Collapse
The AGF underscored the necessity of Tinubu’s intervention, arguing that further delays could have worsened the political turmoil in Rivers State. He clarified that the President had exhausted all mediation efforts before resorting to emergency measures.
“This administration still has about two years left. Should the President have waited until the situation spiraled completely out of control? I don’t think so,” he explained.
The Political Tension in Rivers State
President Tinubu declared the state of emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. The crisis stemmed from a prolonged power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, leading to disruptions in governance and raising security concerns.
To restore stability, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff (2015–2021), to oversee the state’s administration. The President justified his decision by referencing constitutional provisions.
“Upon sober reflection and evaluation of the political situation in Rivers State, it has become imperative for me to invoke Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare a state of emergency with immediate effect,” Tinubu stated.
Judiciary to Remain Functional Amid Emergency Rule
Despite suspending the executive and legislative branches, Tinubu assured that the judiciary would remain operational to ensure legal and democratic processes continue.
The emergency declaration has sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some stakeholders support the move as necessary for restoring stability, critics argue it could set a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.
Conclusion
The situation in Rivers State remains a significant political flashpoint. The coming months will reveal whether Tinubu’s decision stabilizes governance or escalates tensions further.
For more insights into Nigeria’s constitutional laws, refer to Section 305 of the Constitution.
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