Fubara Voices Concern Over Rivers State Political Crisis Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State has openly expressed his distress over the current political crisis in the state. His concerns follow the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, a move that has significantly impacted the state’s governance. Suspension and Leadership Transition As part of the emergency measures, Governor Fubara has been suspended from office for six months. In his place, a sole administrator has been appointed to oversee the state’s affairs. This drastic decision comes amid the escalating power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Addressing Supporters During Sallah Celebration During a Sallah homage at his private residence, Fubara addressed a gathering of Muslim faithful who came to celebrate with him. He acknowledged the difficult situation, stating: “I understand that people might assume I feel deeply troubled by these events, given the circumstances. However, despite everything, we choose to give thanks to the Almighty God.” He emphasized the importance of unity, patience, and avoiding provocation, saying that the goal of his political opponents is to destabilize the state. Call for Peaceful Resolution Fubara urged residents of Rivers State to remain peaceful and not fall into the trap of provocation. He assured them that his administration is committed to ensuring stability and maintaining Rivers State as a model for others in Nigeria. “Their objective is to create chaos and strip people of their means of livelihood, but we will not allow it. We will continue to operate peacefully and uphold the rule of law.” Implications of the Political Crisis The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about governance, security, and economic stability in Rivers State. Analysts suggest that prolonged political unrest could negatively impact the state’s development. Read more about political crisis management in Nigeria. For more updates on Nigerian politics and governance, visit our Politics News Section. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
The National Assembly has approved President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State through a voice vote, sparking widespread criticism. The resolution, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and other elected officials for six months, also facilitated the appointment of a sole administrator. Violation of Constitutional Provisions? This decision appears to conflict with Section 305(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers before such a proclamation can be upheld. Critics argue that a voice vote lacks transparency and fails to meet the constitutional threshold. Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, condemned the approval, asserting that a two-thirds majority cannot be established through a voice vote. However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio countered this claim, stating that the decision was made unanimously without opposition. Senate’s Directives and Oversight Role As part of the emergency rule implementation, the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee will oversee all regulations in Rivers State. The Senate further called for the federal government to establish a reconciliation mechanism, including a Peace and Reconciliation Committee with key stakeholders, to restore stability in the state. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives modified Tinubu’s proclamation, mandating that the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, report directly to the National Assembly rather than the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Key Amendments by the House of Representatives: Divisions Among Senators During Closed-Door Session Despite the Senate’s approval, reports indicate internal disagreements. According to Vanguard, only 64 senators were recorded as present, sparking concerns that a proper quorum was not met. Some senators, including Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), and Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South), walked out in protest. During deliberations, Senator Seriake Dickson raised a procedural concern, urging the Senate to adhere to Order 133 of its Standing Rules, which requires state-of-emergency discussions to be conducted in a closed-door session. Although initially resistant, Akpabio later acknowledged this requirement, leading to a closed-door meeting before the final decision was reached. Legal Experts and Opposition Leaders Challenge NASS Approval Legal experts have criticized the method used to approve the state of emergency. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Prof. Sam Erugo, noted that Section 305(6) of the Constitution explicitly requires a two-thirds vote for such a decision, stating that a voice vote is legally insufficient. Peter Obi also denounced the process, arguing that using a voice vote for a decision of this magnitude undermines constitutional principles and democratic accountability. According to him, such decisions should be subjected to a recorded vote to ensure legitimacy. Implications for Rivers State and National Politics The emergency rule in Rivers State has significant political and governance implications. The involvement of the National Assembly in state governance raises concerns about federal overreach, while the removal of elected officials has sparked debates on democratic integrity. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, with expectations that legal and political challenges may arise in the coming weeks. For further insights on constitutional provisions and emergency rule governance, refer to this analysis by The Guardian. 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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Key Political Figures Oppose Rivers State Emergency Declaration In a major political development, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai have initiated a coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the 2027 elections. This was confirmed by Atiku during a press conference in Abuja, where he addressed political stakeholders from across the nation. When questioned about the intention behind the gathering, Atiku affirmed that the coalition’s objective is to remove Tinubu from office in the next election cycle. Political Leaders Condemn Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration in Rivers State Atiku, along with other coalition members, has urged Nigerians, particularly members of the National Assembly, to reject Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional. According to Atiku: “President Tinubu’s proclamation on March 18, 2025, suspending the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly, is an outright violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and an attempt to impose autocratic control.” He further stated that Tinubu’s decision undermines democracy and called on Nigerians to resist what he described as an unconstitutional move. Unlawful Dismissal of Elected Officials Atiku highlighted constitutional breaches, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not empower the President to remove an elected Governor, Deputy Governor, or the State House of Assembly under any circumstances. He referenced Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which explicitly outlines the legal procedure for removing a Governor through impeachment by the State House of Assembly. Additionally, Atiku condemned the misuse of Section 305, which allows the declaration of a state of emergency only under extreme national security threats. He asserted that Tinubu’s justification for the emergency rule in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional requirements. Judiciary and National Assembly Must Intervene The coalition is calling for immediate action from the judiciary and the National Assembly to overturn Tinubu’s directive. Atiku stressed that any declaration of emergency must be ratified by a two-thirds majority vote in both legislative chambers. If such approval is not obtained, the proclamation automatically loses its validity. “There is no war or crisis in Rivers State to warrant such an extreme measure. Instead of allowing due legal processes to resolve political disputes, the federal government is exploiting the situation for political gain,” he added. Manufactured Crisis for Political Control The coalition alleges that the crisis in Rivers State is a deliberate political maneuver designed to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku pointed out that similar security challenges in the past did not result in the removal of elected officials. “Even at the peak of insurgency in the North-East, the then-government did not remove governors but provided security solutions. The Rivers State issue is being exploited to serve Tinubu’s interests,” Atiku noted. Call to Action The coalition demands the immediate reinstatement of the elected Rivers State government and urges lawmakers to reject the unconstitutional action. Additionally, Atiku called on civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and citizens to defend Nigeria’s democracy against executive overreach. Historical Context: Niger Delta Unrest Atiku cautioned against political instability in the Niger Delta, a region historically fraught with conflict. He emphasized that previous administrations worked tirelessly to stabilize the area, warning that Tinubu’s actions could reignite tensions and disrupt national economic stability. Political Heavyweights Join the Movement Other key opposition figures present at the press conference included Yunusa Tanko representing Peter Obi, former SGF Babachir Lawal, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Peter Ahmeh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties. Apologies were sent by notable figures such as former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi, and ex-APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu. 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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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly members. In a statement released on March 18, 2025, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, asserted that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally remove elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule. NBA Rejects Suspension of Elected Officials President Tinubu, during a national address, justified his actions by citing increasing political instability and pipeline vandalism in the state. However, the NBA argued that these issues do not meet the constitutional requirements for dissolving an elected government. Referencing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the NBA outlined that while the President holds emergency powers, they do not extend to the suspension or removal of elected officials. The only constitutional procedure for removing a governor or deputy governor, the NBA emphasized, is through impeachment as stipulated in Section 188 of the Constitution. Similarly, the removal of lawmakers must follow electoral laws and due legal process. Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration Faces Legal Hurdles The NBA further highlighted that Tinubu’s emergency declaration requires approval from the National Assembly within two days (if in session) or ten days (if not in session). Until such approval is obtained, the suspension of Rivers State’s government officials remains legally void. Condemning the President’s decision as a “dangerous violation” of Nigeria’s democracy, the NBA warned that allowing the dissolution of an elected state government under emergency rule could establish a precedent for politically motivated takeovers in the future. NBA Urges National Assembly to Uphold Democracy The association called on the National Assembly to reject any attempt to ratify the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State’s government. It also urged the judiciary, civil society organizations, and international observers to closely monitor the situation and ensure that democratic principles are upheld. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the rule of law, the NBA emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs. The association insisted that all political disputes be resolved strictly through constitutional and legal mechanisms rather than executive orders. Nigerian Constitution READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
