President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending key elected officials due to escalating political tensions. This marks one of several emergency declarations in Nigeria since 1999, including significant events in Plateau and Ekiti States, as well as in response to Boko Haram’s insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu marks yet another instance of emergency rule in Nigeria since the return to civilian governance in 1999. This decision has suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara along with his deputy Ngozi Odu and all elected House of Assembly members, taking effect immediately as of March 18, 2025.
In his national address, President Tinubu justified this action by invoking section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution, stating, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.” Furthermore, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state administrator for the next six months.
A historical review reveals notable emergency declarations initiated in Nigeria since 1999, starting with Plateau State on May 18, 2004. President Olusegun Obasanjo enacted this in response to severe ethno-religious violence, which resulted in over 2,000 fatalities. This led to the suspension of the governor Joshua Dariye and the State House of Assembly.
In 2006, President Obasanjo again declared emergency rule in Ekiti State after the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose triggered significant unrest and governance disruption. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed to oversee the region.
On December 31, 2011, in response to Boko Haram’s escalating violence, President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rule in various local government areas within Borno and Plateau States. Thereafter, from 2013 to 2014, he extended this rule to Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States amid the Boko Haram insurgency and its violent actions, including the infamous Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
Most recently, the emergency rule in Rivers State in 2025 was triggered by an intense political struggle for power. The suspension of elected officials emphasizes the need for administrative intervention amid political discord, in an effort to restore order and governance in the state.
The timeline of emergency declarations in Nigeria from 1999 to 2025 showcases the recurring patterns of political crisis and violence that compel such measures. President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration in Rivers State reflects ongoing instability and highlights the government’s attempts to manage complex political situations through direct intervention. These events underline the delicate balance between civil governance and maintaining order amidst unrest in Nigeria.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
