THE POLITICAL CRISIS in Rivers State has escalated following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency, a move that has sparked debate over governance, constitutional order, and political stability in the oil-rich South-South state.
The Explainer gathered that the emergency rule, announced in a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Tinubu justified his decision as necessary to restore order in a state that has been engulfed in a power struggle between the executive and the legislature.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” Tinubu stated.
The president further appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state administrator, tasked with overseeing governance during the period of emergency rule.
However, in his reaction to the development, Fubara blamed the lawmakers for frustrating peace efforts and undermining governance in the state. In a statement personally signed and made available to The Explainer on Wednesday, he urged the people of Rivers to remain calm, stressing that his administration had prioritised peace, security, and economic progress since assuming office.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history,” he stated. “Since assuming office as your governor, we have prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.”
Rivers State has been embroiled in a prolonged political crisis, marked by a breakdown in relations between Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly. The crisis intensified in late 2023 when 27 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to a power tussle between the executive and the legislature. The rift resulted in attempts to impeach Fubara, mass resignations of commissioners loyal to his administration, and multiple legal battles over the legitimacy of the Assembly’s leadership.
The crisis prompted President Tinubu to intervene in December 2023, brokering a peace deal that outlined specific steps to restore stability. Fubara said he implemented the agreed terms in good faith, including reinstating commissioners who had resigned and complying with a Supreme Court judgment on the leadership dispute in the Assembly.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else,” Fubara stated.
He added, “This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.”
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Despite these efforts, Fubara accused the lawmakers of deliberately obstructing peace initiatives.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress challenging,” he stated.
The Explainer gathered that political analysts view the crisis as part of a larger power struggle within the ruling elite, with tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike, a major political force in Rivers, has been accused of attempting to control the state’s political structure despite leaving office.
Economically, the instability has raised concerns about its impact on investment and revenue generation in the state, which is a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil economy. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that Rivers State generated ₦195.41 billion in internally generated revenue (IGR) in 2023, ranking third after Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Despite the political challenges, Fubara maintained that his administration continued to deliver governance.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the state forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure, and peaceful under our watch,” he asserted.
As the state transitions into emergency rule, concerns have been raised over its constitutional and political implications. Experts argue that the suspension of elected officials raises questions about democratic governance and the role of state institutions. While some stakeholders support the move as a necessary intervention, others warn that it sets a dangerous precedent for dealing with political disputes in Nigeria.
Amidst the uncertainty, Fubara called on Rivers people to remain peaceful and trust in the democratic process.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive,” he said.
