Emergency Rule in Rivers: Tinubu Moves to Restore Order or Seize Control?

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to restore law and order amid escalating political turmoil. The declaration led to the suspension of Governor 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.

President Tinubu announced the nomination of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Rivers State Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state. Within hours of the announcement, military personnel took over the Rivers Government House in Port Harcourt, with sources confirming the presence of armed soldiers and an Armored Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance.

Tension in Port Harcourt

Following the emergency declaration, anxiety gripped the state capital, Port Harcourt. Residents rushed home as news of the situation spread, while others gathered on streets to discuss the unfolding events. Witnesses reported an increased military presence, with government officials remaining tight-lipped on the specifics of the transition process.

Tinubu Justifies Action

In his address, Tinubu stated that the political crisis in Rivers State had defied all attempts at resolution, stalling development and depriving residents of good governance. He cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as the legal basis for the emergency declaration, emphasizing that the move was necessary to restore stability.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate,” Tinubu clarified. He assured that the newly appointed administrator would focus on governance rather than legislation, with any necessary regulations subject to Federal Executive Council approval.

The decision followed an emergency security meeting at Aso Rock, convened after twin explosions rocked oil pipelines in the state. The meeting included key security figures, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and top government officials.

Fubara Responds, Calls for Calm

Governor Fubara, in a statement, urged Rivers residents to remain calm and law-abiding. He blamed political adversaries for frustrating his attempts to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling. “Since assuming office, all my actions have been guided by the Constitution and a commitment to peace,” Fubara said. He accused members of the state assembly loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike of undermining his efforts to govern effectively.

Pipeline Explosions Heighten Tensions

Security concerns escalated after two explosions were reported at key oil installations in Rivers State within 24 hours. The first incident occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area, while the second blast hit a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed arrests related to the incidents and launched an investigation into possible sabotage.

Some sources linked the blasts to threats from militant groups opposing the political crisis, raising fears of renewed instability in the Niger Delta. The police, however, assured the public that measures were in place to prevent further disruptions.

Political Fallout and Supreme Court Rulings

The crisis in Rivers State has been brewing for months, with a long-standing rift between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to Wike. The state assembly had earlier moved to impeach Fubara, a process that intensified following a Supreme Court ruling affirming the legitimacy of 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The apex court ordered the suspension of state government financial allocations until a lawful budget was passed under Speaker Martin Amaewhule’s leadership.

NBA, Opposition, and PANDEF Condemn Suspension

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) criticized Tinubu’s declaration, arguing that the Constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally suspend a governor or elected lawmakers. “A declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments,” NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) stated.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the move, describing it as “an assault on democracy.” He accused Tinubu of failing to prevent the political crisis from escalating and warned that the intervention could destabilize the region.

Similarly, the PDP rejected the state of emergency, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to forcefully take control of Rivers State. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated, “The action of Mr. President borders on an attempt at state capture and a deliberate plan to subvert democracy in Rivers State.”

The Ijaw National Congress and Ijaw Youth Council warned against any attempt to remove Governor Fubara, asserting that such actions could lead to unrest in the Niger Delta and disrupt oil production.

National Assembly’s Role and Next Steps

Under Nigerian law, the National Assembly must approve the declaration of a state of emergency within 10 days. The decision is expected to face intense debate, with opposition lawmakers and civil society groups already mobilizing against the measure.

In the meantime, all eyes are on Rivers State as tensions rise amid uncertainty over the political future of the state. Security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent further unrest, while the Federal Government insists that the emergency intervention is necessary to restore stability and governance.

More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.

NUSA Commends Gov. Peter Mbah for Unprecedented Development in Enugu State

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has praised the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for spearheading unprecedented progress and development in Enugu State. The commendation was made in a congratulatory message to the governor on the occasion of his 53rd birthday anniversary.

The statement, released on Monday, was signed by Mr. Smart Nwobi, the President of NUSA and Secretary-General of the Enugu State Union South Africa. The group expressed admiration for Governor Mbah’s dedication to advancing the state’s potential and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

“We are honoured to extend our warmest and most heartfelt felicitations to you on the auspicious occasion of your 53rd birthday,” NUSA stated in the message.

As the apex body representing Nigerians living in South Africa, NUSA acknowledged the governor’s outstanding leadership and transformative achievements, which have earned him recognition both within Nigeria and among the Diaspora community.

“Your remarkable vision and dedicated service have not gone unnoticed both within Nigeria and among the Diaspora community,” the statement continued.

The union further expressed its best wishes for the governor’s continued success, good health, and divine guidance as he leads Enugu State towards greater heights of prosperity.

Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has been widely recognized for implementing policies that drive economic growth, infrastructure development, and social progress in Enugu State. His leadership continues to attract commendation from both local and international stakeholders.

NUSA’s message underscores the growing appreciation for Governor Mbah’s efforts in fostering sustainable development and positioning Enugu State as a model of progress in Nigeria.

Political Crisis Deepens in Rivers State as Lawmakers Move to Impeach Governor Fubara

Tension and apprehension have reached a boiling point in Rivers State following the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu by the state House of Assembly. The latest development has further intensified political uncertainty, sparking widespread outrage and fears of unrest.

The impeachment process, spearheaded by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly, loyal to former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is based on allegations of gross misconduct. A formal notice detailing the accusations was sent to the Speaker of the House after being endorsed by 26 lawmakers in a letter dated March 14, 2025.

On Monday, March 17, Speaker Amaewhule formally served the governor and his deputy with the impeachment notice, citing 19 constitutional breaches. Among the accusations against Fubara are alleged reckless expenditure of public funds, obstruction of legislative functions, and appointment of officials without Assembly approval. The lawmakers also accused the deputy governor of complicity in unconstitutional financial withdrawals and supporting the governor’s defiance of a court order mandating a legitimate budget presentation.

Rising Tensions and Threats of Crisis

The impeachment threat has prompted strong reactions from various political and ethnic groups. The Ijaw National Congress, the Ijaw Youth Council, and other regional stakeholders have warned that any attempt to remove Fubara could destabilize the state and negatively impact oil production. They have vowed to resist any move that undermines the governor’s mandate, emphasizing that his removal could spark widespread unrest in the Niger Delta.

President Bola Tinubu, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, convened a high-level meeting with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah and King Alfred Diete-Spiff. During the meeting, Tinubu underscored the importance of stability in the Niger Delta, stating, “Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg.” He urged the PANDEF leaders to mediate and ensure peace prevails.

Following this, PANDEF met with Governor Fubara in an attempt to broker peace, but efforts to engage Wike have so far been unsuccessful.

Legislative Power Struggle and Fubara’s Challenges

Governor Fubara has been facing stiff opposition from the Amaewhule-led Assembly, which recently refused to recognize his attempt to present the 2025 budget, despite a Supreme Court ruling affirming the lawmakers’ legitimacy. During a recent media interview, Wike dismissed concerns over the rising tensions and publicly encouraged lawmakers loyal to him to proceed with the impeachment if necessary.

The impeachment notice, citing Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alleges that Fubara has persistently obstructed the Assembly’s constitutional duties. It also accuses him of withholding funds meant for legislative operations and illegally appointing officials.

The notice to the deputy governor similarly accuses her of failing to act in accordance with her constitutional duties, particularly in matters concerning the state’s budget and financial administration.

In response, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, denounced the Assembly’s actions, warning that their obstructionism could paralyze the state’s economy. “With the current actions of the Assembly, civil servants, retirees, and the general populace will suffer economic hardship as the government will be unable to meet its financial obligations,” he stated. He also revealed that both the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation had been instructed to withhold Rivers State’s revenue allocations until the political crisis is resolved.

Factions Within the APC Deepen the Divide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains deeply divided over the impeachment proceedings. The faction led by Tony Okocha has insisted that due process must be followed, while the Emeka Beke-led faction, loyal to former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, has criticized the lawmakers’ actions as unjust and politically motivated.

Beke’s faction questioned the legitimacy of the impeachment process, pointing out that the Assembly had previously adjourned indefinitely but mysteriously managed to issue a notice without an official sitting. “The House has failed the people. They did not convene, yet they are issuing letters. This is blackmail,” Chief of Staff Chizi Enyi argued.

Legal Battle Looms

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has reserved its ruling in a suit filed by the Labour Party challenging the alleged defection of Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers. Justice Emmanuel Obile has scheduled the ruling for April 16, 2025, amid heightened legal and political maneuvering.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ken Njemanze, representing the 27 lawmakers, has requested that the case be dismissed in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the lawmakers’ legitimacy. However, the Labour Party’s counsel has insisted that the issue of defection remains unresolved and should be determined independently.

Police Deny Reports of Unrest

In the midst of escalating tensions, the Rivers State Police Command has dismissed reports of riots and alleged attacks on Wike’s residence as false. Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko described the claims as “malicious and misleading,” urging residents to remain calm and disregard social media misinformation.

“The state remains peaceful, and no violence has been recorded. These reports are intended to incite fear and unrest,” the statement read.

What Next for Rivers State?

As the political crisis deepens, Rivers State stands at a crossroads. With an impeachment process underway, growing regional discontent, and an escalating legal battle, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of the state’s governance.

The question remains: will political leaders find a way to de-escalate the crisis, or will Rivers State descend further into political turmoil? The answer lies in the actions of key stakeholders in the days ahead.