Nigeria is currently facing a significant political and economic crisis in 2025, exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu's recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision, which included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the state assembly, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised serious questions about the rule of law and democratic governance in the country.

Tinubu's action, justified by citing security reports of pipeline vandalism and a breakdown of law and order, has been widely condemned as an overreach of executive power and a blatant disregard for constitutional norms. Critics argue that the suspension of elected officials without due process undermines the very foundations of Nigeria's democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for future political conflicts.

This is not the first time a Nigerian president has invoked emergency powers. Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan also declared states of emergency in various states, often citing security concerns or political instability. However, these actions have historically been met with criticism and accusations of undermining democratic principles.

In 2004, Obasanjo suspended the governor and state assembly of Plateau State, accusing them of fueling sectarian violence. Similarly, in 2006, he declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State after the governor was impeached. Jonathan, in 2011 and 2013, declared states of emergency in several states in response to the Boko Haram insurgency, although he did not remove any elected officials.

Tinubu's decision in Rivers State has drawn parallels to these past events, with many questioning the consistency of Nigeria's commitment to democratic principles. Critics argue that the president's actions mirror the very approach he once condemned when in the opposition.

The legal basis for Tinubu's actions is Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the president to declare a state of emergency in cases of national danger, disaster, or terrorist attacks. However, legal experts argue that this section does not grant the president the power to suspend elected officials.

Lagos-based lawyer Ridwan Oke argues that the president