President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.

Tinubu made the pronouncement in a nationwide broadcast to the nation.

The president said he was “greatly disturbed about the political crisis” in the state and accused Governor Siminilayi Fubara of demolishing the State House of Assembly building.


Tinubu said having made an evaluation of the situation, he has decided to “declare a state of emergency from March 18”.

He also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months.

Tinubu also suspended all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state.

“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.

“The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state,” Tinubu said.

This decision comes hours after Tinubu met with his service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The meeting which began around 3pm, also had Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, in attendance.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, also arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa.