Outrage has erupted among political observers and citizens of Rivers State as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu failed to address the ongoing suspension of democratic governance in the state during the 26th Democracy Day celebration on June 12, 2025. Many Nigerians had anticipated that the President would seize the symbolic occasion to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara and reintroduce democratic leadership in Rivers State. However, those expectations were unmet, as President Tinubu remained silent on the matter during his speech to the joint session of the National Assembly. Previously, Tinubu had declared a six-month suspension of democratic governance in Rivers State, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), citing escalating tensions and the threat of breakdown of law and order under Governor Fubara’s leadership. In his address at the time, Tinubu noted that militant groups had openly issued violent threats against perceived enemies of the Governor, whom Fubara allegedly failed to distance himself from. According to the President, the situation had become untenable, prompting the constitutional emergency declaration on March 18, 2025. Despite ongoing federal allocations to a Sole Administrator, residents of Rivers State told LMSINT MEDIA that conditions in the state have worsened, with stalled projects and a deepening governance vacuum. Attempts by Fubara to present the 2025 budget to the Rivers State Assembly were rebuffed, and on March 12, 2025, he was denied access to the assembly quarters. In the midst of this power struggle, Fubara has sought reconciliation with his political godfather, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Sources confirmed that he met with Wike in Abuja on June 13 and earlier visited President Tinubu in Lagos ahead of the Democracy Day celebration. Despite these efforts, the President maintained the emergency rule, drawing criticism from Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, who argued that Tinubu missed an opportunity to restore democracy. Highlighting the historical significance of June 12, Dickson lamented the President’s decision to sidestep the Rivers issue, stating, “One cannot claim to be a democrat while suppressing democratic rights.” Speaking with LMSINT MEDIA, Chizy Enyi, APC chieftain and Port Harcourt-based lawyer, alleged that Tinubu’s true motive is to secure political dominance in Rivers ahead of the 2027 elections. Enyi claimed Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara was a strategic move to hand control of the state’s political structure to Wike, empowering him to mobilize grassroots support. Enyi added that the Sole Administrator currently in place is filling key political positions with Wike’s loyalists and even organizing local government elections—actions Enyi argues are unconstitutional and reflective of military rule. He pointed to a Supreme Court ruling barring caretaker appointees from running LGAs, asserting that Tinubu’s actions flout that decision. He further contended that had Fubara’s allies been appointed instead, Wike’s camp would have responded with violence. According to him, “The crisis in Rivers is not about governance, but about Tinubu entrusting Wike with political control for 2027.” Despite the President’s absence from Rivers since his election, Enyi said, Tinubu still expects political support in 2027. “Time will judge this administration,” he stated. “Rivers people will not forget.” Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former nPDP spokesperson and APC chieftain, echoed these concerns in a separate interview with LMSINT MEDIA. He alleged that Tinubu’s actions were not aimed at stabilizing Rivers but at marginalizing former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi politically. According to Eze, the emergency rule is a tactical ploy to prevent Rivers from developing like Lagos or Akwa Ibom. Eze accused Tinubu of deliberately crippling Fubara to ensure compliance with a broader agenda. “The emergency rule will persist until Tinubu is confident Fubara will act in line with their political designs,” he said, warning that the move is causing long-term harm to the state. Residents also voiced concerns. Dike Emmanuel from Port Harcourt criticized the halt in infrastructure projects. “No new road works have been initiated. What is the federal allocation being used for?” he asked. Another resident, Finipri Obomanu, disputed the justification for the emergency rule. “There was peace even before Fubara’s suspension. Rivers is not among the states battling daily killings,” he said, citing more severe insecurity in states like Benue and Zamfara. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide joined the growing calls for the reinstatement of democracy in Rivers. The group appealed to Tinubu to honor the spirit of June 12 and restore both Governor Fubara and the elected lawmakers. The Council emphasized that Tinubu, a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s democratic history, must lead by example and uphold the constitutional rights of Rivers people.
Following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the urgent deployment of additional police personnel and advanced security equipment to the region. This move is in collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies to enhance public safety, protect lives and properties, and secure critical infrastructure. Increased Security Measures to Maintain Stability In an official statement released by the Force Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring law and order in Rivers State. The security reinforcement aims to deter any unlawful activities that could escalate tension or threaten public peace. “The Nigeria Police Force reiterates that all aggrieved individuals have the legal right to seek redress through judicial processes. Any form of unauthorized protest, unlawful assembly, or activities intended to disrupt public peace will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement emphasized. Citizens Urged to Comply with Security Directives The IGP urged all residents of Rivers State to remain law-abiding, adhere to government directives, and continue with their daily activities without fear. The statement assured the public of the police force’s unwavering dedication to peacekeeping and security enforcement. Furthermore, the public is encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities that could compromise security. Individuals or groups intending to disrupt peace in the state are warned to desist, as law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to take decisive action against any threats. Context of the Emergency Declaration The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State was officially announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The move underscores the federal government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region. For further details on emergency rule enforcement and security measures, visit Nigeria Police Force Official Website. Nigeria Police Force Official Website READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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South-South Leaders Decry Emergency Rule in Rivers State The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked widespread criticism from South-South leaders and political stakeholders. Many have labeled the move as unconstitutional and a direct attempt to take control of the oil-rich region, further fueling tensions. Former Akwa Ibom Attorney General Calls Move “Ill-Advised” Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Uwemedimo Nwoko, a former Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State, strongly opposed the emergency rule, stating it does not align with constitutional provisions. According to him, “The conditions required for a state of emergency have not been met. This decision appears to be a calculated political maneuver rather than a legitimate action.” Ijaw Youth Council Rejects Tinubu’s Decision Ex-President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eric Omare, also condemned the decision, asserting that President Tinubu’s intervention has been biased. “Removing Governor Siminalayi Fubara will not resolve the crisis. Instead, it emboldens those fueling the conflict,” Omare stated. He further accused the administration of favoring the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has been at the center of the controversy. PANDEF Monitoring the Situation The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body for the South-South geopolitical zone, has expressed grave concern over the development. PANDEF spokesperson Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini stated, “We are seriously alarmed by the state of emergency imposed in Rivers State. This crisis was avoidable, and we will soon release our official stance on the matter.” Ex-MOSIEND Spokesperson Questions Political Motives Amaebi Clarkson, former national spokesman of the Movement for the Survival of Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), believes the move is politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections. “The president’s actions suggest a well-orchestrated script to seize control of Rivers State,” Clarkson remarked. He further accused Wike of instigating the crisis and the federal government of turning a blind eye to his actions. Ijaw Youth Council Calls It “Oppression” The Ijaw Youth Council, represented by spokesman Amb. Binebai Princewill, labeled the emergency rule as “oppression and intimidation of Ijaw people.” According to Princewill, “There are states grappling with severe insurgencies from Boko Haram and herdsmen, yet no emergency rule was declared. This targeted action against Rivers State raises serious concerns.” APC Chieftain Urges Reconciliation Elder statesman and APC chieftain in Edo State, Hon. Charles Idahosa, sees the situation as an opportunity for resolution. “Fubara, lawmakers, and the FCT Minister must come together and find common ground. The presidency had previously tried to mediate, but the parties involved failed to cooperate. Now is the time to resolve their differences.” Conclusion The emergency rule in Rivers State has triggered national debate, with critics questioning the constitutional basis of the decision. While the Nigerian Bar Association and South-South stakeholders have spoken against the move, the federal government insists it is necessary to restore order. For a deeper understanding of the constitutional implications, read this analysis by a legal expert. The Guardian – Nigerian Political Crisis READ ALSO; Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
