The political landscape of Rivers State, Nigeria, was dramatically altered in March 2025 when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the entire elected Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period. This unprecedented move came after a period of escalating political tension and instability within the state, fueled by a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who had recently been appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. President Tinubu cited this ongoing conflict, along with alleged constitutional breaches and security threats, as the primary justification for the declaration, emphasizing the need to restore order and stability to the oil-rich state. To oversee the administration of Rivers State during this period, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff, as sole administrator.
The swiftness of President Tinubu’s action underscored the gravity of the situation in Rivers State. Just a day after the declaration, Vice Admiral Ibas arrived at the Presidential Villa to meet with President Tinubu, signaling the immediate commencement of the transition of power. The appointment of a sole administrator signaled the President’s intent to take direct control of the state’s affairs, effectively bypassing the existing elected government. This move raised significant constitutional questions and sparked intense debate across the nation, with critics questioning the President’s authority to take such drastic measures. Supporters, however, argued that the President’s action was necessary to prevent the situation from further deteriorating and to protect the interests of the people of Rivers State.
The power struggle at the heart of the crisis stemmed from the complex relationship between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike, a powerful figure in Rivers State politics, had played a significant role in Fubara’s election. However, their relationship reportedly soured after Fubara assumed office, leading to a bitter rivalry that paralyzed the state’s governance. This political infighting created a vacuum in leadership, hindering the effective functioning of the government and exacerbating existing security challenges. The President’s declaration aimed to address this power vacuum and restore a semblance of order amidst the political chaos.
President Tinubu’s declaration, based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), allowed him to suspend the elected officials and appoint an administrator. However, the declaration specifically excluded the judicial arm of the Rivers State government, which continued to operate independently. This distinction highlighted the President’s intention to target the executive and legislative branches, which were directly involved in the political power struggle, while preserving the integrity of the judiciary. The President emphasized that this intervention was a temporary measure designed to restore stability and create an environment conducive to peaceful resolution of the political crisis.
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator reflected President Tinubu’s desire to bring a neutral and experienced figure to manage the state’s affairs. Ibas, having served as Chief of Naval Staff under former President Muhammadu Buhari, possessed a strong leadership background and a reputation for integrity. His military experience was seen as an asset in addressing security concerns within the state, while his non-partisan background was intended to ensure impartiality in handling the political situation. The President’s choice signaled a commitment to restoring order and laying the groundwork for a return to democratic governance.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State marked a significant turning point in the state’s political history. While the long-term consequences of this intervention remained to be seen, the immediate impact was clear: the removal of the elected government and the installation of a sole administrator under the direct authority of the President. This dramatic action underscored the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of intense political conflict and highlighted the challenges of balancing the need for stability with the principles of democratic governance. The situation in Rivers State served as a stark reminder of the importance of peaceful resolution of political disputes and the crucial role of strong institutions in upholding democratic values.
