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TEXT OF BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES, DECLARING A STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025

Fellow Nigerians,

I address you today with a heavy heart as I am deeply concerned about the escalating political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I had hoped that the parties involved would resolve their differences amicably and in the interest of the people. Unfortunately, despite numerous interventions, the situation has continued to deteriorate, leaving the state in a state of paralysis and depriving its citizens of the benefits of democratic governance.

Since the crisis began, Rivers State has been at a standstill, with governance severely impaired. The most glaring evidence of this dysfunction is the unlawful demolition of the State House of Assembly on December 13, 2023, by the Governor for reasons that remain unjustifiable. More than fourteen months have passed, yet no efforts have been made to rebuild the legislative structure. Despite my personal interventions and those of respected leaders and stakeholders across the nation, all efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully have been ignored. Nevertheless, I commend all well-meaning Nigerians who have tried to mediate and restore normalcy.

On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on eight consolidated appeals related to the crisis in Rivers State. The Court ruled that the Governor had engaged in unconstitutional actions that undermined democratic governance. The judgment explicitly stated:

"A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution, as amended. In this case, the head of the executive arm has deliberately collapsed the legislature to enable him to govern as a despot. As it stands, there is no functional government in Rivers State."

The Supreme Court further ruled that the 27 members of the House of Assembly who had been unlawfully prevented from performing their legislative duties remained valid members of the House. The Court ordered the immediate restoration of constitutional governance in Rivers State, including the passage of an Appropriation Bill. To date, these directives have been ignored.

In addition to the ongoing political deadlock, recent security reports have raised alarming concerns. In the past 48 hours, there have been incidents of pipeline vandalism by militant groups operating unchecked. Furthermore, threats of violence have been issued by individuals claiming loyalty to the Governor, yet he has failed to distance himself from these threats or take necessary action to prevent further unrest.

Given these grave developments, no responsible leader can stand idly by while lawlessness and disorder take root in a federating state. As President, it is my duty to uphold the Constitution and ensure the protection of lives, property, and democratic governance in every part of Nigeria.

Having carefully considered the situation and in line with my constitutional responsibilities, I have decided to invoke the provisions of Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, to declare a State of Emergency in Rivers State, effective today, March 18, 2025.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

To ensure the continuity of governance, I hereby appoint Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd.) as the Administrator of Rivers State. His mandate is to restore peace, security, and stability in the state while upholding democratic principles. For clarity, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of government, which will continue to function as mandated by the Constitution.

The Administrator will not have the authority to make new laws but will be permitted to issue necessary regulations to maintain governance. Any such regulations will be subject to approval by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, and a copy has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with constitutional provisions.

It is my earnest hope that this necessary intervention will restore peace, security, and constitutional order in Rivers State. Let this serve as a reminder that democratic governance requires adherence to the rule of law and respect for the institutions that sustain our republic.

Long live a united, peaceful, and democratic Rivers State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria