In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for six months. This decision, justified by citing prolonged political crises, constitutional breaches, and escalating insecurity, has triggered widespread reactions from legal experts, political figures, and various groups across Nigeria.

The declaration came after a series of escalating tensions, including a recent explosion targeting the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), a critical oil infrastructure. According to President Tinubu, the state had been paralyzed by political turmoil, preventing residents from accessing the benefits of democracy. He also pointed to the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in December 2023, which he said crippled legislative governance.

Tinubu's address highlighted a Supreme Court judgment from February 28, 2025, which stated that Rivers State had effectively ceased to have a functioning government due to the collapse of its legislative arm. The judgment upheld the validity of 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC, mandating their reinstatement. However, the Rivers government, led by Fubara, allegedly resisted compliance, worsening the crisis. The President quoted the Supreme Court as saying that Governor Fubara chose to collapse the legislature to govern as a despot.

Adding to the complexity, President Tinubu noted escalating security threats, including pipeline vandalism by militants, which he claimed the state government failed to address. He announced the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State for the six-month period, clarifying that the judiciary would remain functional and that Ibas could formulate regulations subject to Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.

The declaration has been met with strong opposition from various quarters. Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and Abeny Mohammed described the declaration and suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional and undemocratic. Adegboruwa questioned why similar actions were not taken in other states facing crises, such as Osun, Benue, and Lagos. Abeny Mohammed emphasized that the governor was elected constitutionally and could only be removed through constitutional means.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the declaration as political manipulation, accusing President Tinubu of being a partisan actor in the Rivers State crisis. He argued that the security breaches and infrastructure destruction fell squarely on the President's responsibility. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed these sentiments, rejecting the declaration as an attempt to override the constitution and undermine the will of the people. The PDP cautioned Vice Admiral Ibas against taking any actions that could derail democratic governance.

In contrast, the All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomed the decision, with National Secretary Ajibola Basiru expressing hope that the state of emergency would restore peace and order. He also cautioned the Osun governor to allow court-reinstated local government councils to function, or risk a similar declaration.

Reactions from the Niger Delta region have been mixed. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) expressed concern, stating it was studying the situation. Some Niger Delta monarchs called for Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, to be fired or brought to order, accusing him of fueling the crisis. Simultaneously, a Niger Delta group identified the political upheaval as the cause of the Trans Niger Pipeline explosion, while another group dismissed the claims that the explosion was politically motivated.

Amid the turmoil, Governor Fubara urged the people of Rivers State to remain peaceful and law-abiding. He affirmed his commitment to engaging with relevant institutions to ensure the strength of democracy and continuous progress of the state. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) asserted that President Tinubu lacks the constitutional power to remove an elected governor, stating that any such action is an unconstitutional encroachment on democratic governance.

The House of Representatives confirmed that President Tinubu consulted the National Assembly leadership before declaring the state of emergency, with a formal letter transmitted for review. Former Attorney-General Mohammed Bello Adoke's past statements resurfaced, highlighting that during President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, governors were not suspended during state of emergency declarations because it was deemed unconstitutional.

As the situation unfolds, security agencies have been directed to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines. The suspension of key state officials and the appointment of an administrator mark a significant intervention, the long-term implications of which remain to be seen.