President Tinubu Declares State Of Emergency In Rivers State: What You Need To Know

Breaking: President Tinubu Officially Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State

Listen up, folks. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a bold move that's sent shockwaves across Nigeria and beyond. He's officially declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, and let me tell you, it's sparking a lot of debate. This decision has been met with both praise and criticism from all corners of the country. But what does this mean for the people of Rivers State? Let's break it down.

According to the official gazette signed by President Tinubu, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) has been appointed as the Administrator for the state. This means he'll be in charge of running things for the time being, following the rules laid out by the president. It's a big responsibility, and one that's drawing a lot of attention.

Why the Emergency Declaration?

In the official gazette titled "State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025," President Tinubu explains his reasoning. He cites Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as the legal basis for his decision. The document outlines a clear and present danger to public order and safety in Rivers State. The president argues that extraordinary measures are necessary to prevent chaos and restore peace, security, and order in the region.

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Here's a snippet from the gazette:

"Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 As Amended: State of Emergency (RIVERS STATE) Proclamation, 2025."

"Whereas, there is a clear and present danger of an imminent breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, which require extraordinary measures to avert such danger."

"Whereas, there is a clear and present danger of the looming crisis in Rivers State which, if left unchecked, could degenerate, leading to massive loss of lives and property in the State."

"Whereas, extraordinary measures are required to restore good governance, peace, security and order in Rivers State."

These words highlight the gravity of the situation and the urgency of the president's decision. It's not just about maintaining order—it's about protecting lives and property.

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What Happens Next?

Now that the state of emergency has been declared, things are about to change in Rivers State. The gazette outlines specific actions that will take place. First, the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly have been suspended. This means they won't be able to perform their usual duties for the duration of the emergency.

Second, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) will step in as Administrator. He'll be responsible for running the state according to the regulations issued by the president. This is a big deal because it essentially puts the state under temporary federal control. The proclamation also states that it can be cited as the "State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation, 2025."

Reaction from the Political Arena

Not everyone is on board with President Tinubu's decision. Political groups like Afenifere and the Pan Niger Delta Forum are speaking out against the move. They argue that it undermines democracy in Rivers State and gives too much power to a military-style administrator. Even elder statesmen from across the nation and internationally have voiced their concerns.

On March 20, 2025, the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives officially ratified the president's decision. This includes a six-month suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. It's a bold move that's sure to have long-lasting effects on the state's political landscape.

As the dust settles, it's clear that this decision will have far-reaching consequences. Whether it restores peace and order or further divides the nation remains to be seen. One thing's for sure: the people of Rivers State are at the center of this storm, and their voices need to be heard.