President Bola Amhed Tinubu has officially gazzeted the state of emergency declared in Rivers State, and the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara along with members of the state assembly.
The official gazette, signed by the President, according to reports, designates retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the appointed Administrator, who will govern the state under directives periodically issued by the Presidency.
Citing Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution alongside other executive powers, President Tinubu justified the measure as necessary to reinstate stability, security, and effective governance in Rivers State. The proclamation outlines an imminent threat to public order, warning of potential chaos, loss of lives, and widespread destruction if decisive action is not taken.
Excerpts from the gazette state:
“Whereas, there exists a grave and immediate threat of severe disruption to public safety and civil order within Rivers State, necessitating exceptional intervention to prevent further deterioration… Whereas, the escalating crisis, if unaddressed, risks catastrophic consequences, including large-scale violence and property damage… NOW, therefore, by the authority vested in me under Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, and all other relevant provisions, I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, hereby enact the following proclamation…”
The declaration enforces an immediate state of emergency, suspending the offices of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Retired Vice Admiral Ibas will assume control as Administrator, operating under presidential directives for the duration of the emergency period.
The proclamation concludes: “This decree shall be recognized as the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025.”
The move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition political parties, civil society organizations, Afenifere and the Pan Niger Delta Forum, and international observers.
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