President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for six months.
In a nationwide broadcast, the President appointed Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
The declaration follows a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, which found that Rivers State lacked a functioning government after the demolition of the State Assembly Complex and the Governor’s alleged refusal to work with defected lawmakers.
Tinubu also cited reports of militants vandalising pipelines and the governor’s failure to curb the unrest.
He however noted that the judicial arm of government remains unaffected.
