Breaking: President Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara, Assembly

Published

1 year ago

March 19, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire House of Assembly for six months, citing a total collapse of governance. “As it is, there is no government in Rivers State,” Tinubu stated, quoting the Supreme Court’s verdict on the political crisis. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the administrator, blaming Fubara for disregarding constitutional order, enabling militancy, and failing to restore the legislative arm.

The decision follows months of political turmoil, judicial indictments against the governor, and militant activities threatening national assets.

See the President Official Full Text Below

Text of the Broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, declaring State of Emergency in Rivers state on Tuesday 18 March 2025

Fellow Nigerians, I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State. Like many of you, I have watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.

With the crisis persisting, there is no way democratic governance, which we have all fought and worked for over the years, can thrive in a way that will redound to the benefit of the good people of the state. The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, with the good people of the state not being able to have access to the dividends of democracy.

Also, it is public knowledge that the Governor of Rivers State for unjustifiable reasons, demolished the House of Assembly of the state as far back as 13th December 2023 and has, up until now, fourteen (14) months after, not rebuilt same. I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgment in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

“a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Going Forward in their judgment, and having found and held that 27 members of the House who had allegedly defected

“are still valid members of Rivers State House of Assembly and cannot be prevented from participating in the proceedings of that House by the 8th Respondent (that is, the Governor) in cohorts with four members”

The Supreme Court then made some orders to restore the state to immediate constitutional democracy. These orders include the immediate passing of an Appropriation Bill by the Rivers State House of Assembly which up till now has not been facilitated.

Some militants had threatened fire and brimstone against their perceived enemy of the governor who has up till now NOT disowned them.

Apart from that both the House and the governor have not been able to work together.

Both of them do not realise that they are in office to work together for the peace and good governance of the state.

The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today there have been disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them. I have, of course given stern order to the security agencies to ensure safety of lives of the good people of Rivers State and the oil pipelines.

With all these and many more, no good and responsible President will standby and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps prescribed by the Constitution to address the situation in the state, which no doubt requires extraordinary measures to restore good governance, peace, order and security.

In the circumstance, having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State and the Governor and Deputy Governor of Rivers State having failed to make a request to me as President to issue this proclamation as required by section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, 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 with effect from today, 18th March, 2025 and I so do.

By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.

In the meantime, I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State. For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with their constitutional mandate.

The Administrator will not make any new laws. He will, however, be free to formulate regulations as may be found necessary to do his job, but such regulations will need to be considered and approved by the Federal Executive Council and promulgated by the President for the state.

This declaration has been published in the Federal Gazette, a copy of which has been forwarded to the National Assembly in accordance with the Constitution. It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help to restore peace and order in Rivers State by awakening all the contenders to the constitutional imperatives binding on all political players in Rivers State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

Long live a united, peaceful, secure and democratic Rivers State in particular and the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a whole.

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Olarewaju Backs Oyebanji in Court Amid Ekiti APC Legal Battle

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2026

GistNaijaHub

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju, on consecutive days appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja, throwing his weight behind Governor Biodun Oyebanji as legal disputes threaten the party’s internal stability ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Hon. Olarewaju, a lawyer, joined the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), during proceedings linked to suits filed by Bimbo Olawunmi and allies of Kayode Ojo. The cases challenge aspects of the party’s candidate selection process, raising fresh tensions within the APC in Ekiti State.

His presence in court comes at a critical point in his own political campaign, a move observers within the party interpret as a calculated show of loyalty and alignment with the governor’s political direction.

Speaking to associates after the court sitting, Hon. Olarewaju framed his decision as a defence of electoral integrity and party cohesion. He drew from his experience during the party primaries three years ago, where he contested outcomes he believed did not reflect the will of party members.

“This is about protecting the mandate of the people and ensuring that legal distractions do not derail the progress already underway in Ekiti,” he said.

Governor Oyebanji’s administration has anchored its agenda on continuity and economic expansion, with ongoing investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and education. Supporters argue that prolonged legal battles could slow the pace of these reforms.

Hon. Olarewaju has also intensified mobilisation efforts across Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje local government areas, projecting a strong voter base for the APC in the constituency. Party insiders say his dual focus on grassroots engagement and high-level legal support reflects a broader strategy to consolidate influence ahead of the elections.

While the court is yet to deliver its ruling, the outcome of the suits could shape the APC’s internal dynamics in Ekiti and test the cohesion of its leading figures.

For now, Hon. Olarewaju’s courtroom presence signals more than routine party support, it underscores the stakes within Ekiti’s political landscape as alliances tighten and legal scrutiny deepens.

Hon. Akinlayo Congratulates Oyebanji as Court Affirms APC Candidacy

Published

5 days ago

April 16, 2026

GistNaijaHub

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kolawole Davidson Akinlayo, has congratulated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji following a Federal High Court ruling affirming him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

Hon. Akinlayo, who represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, described the judgment as a clear endorsement of democratic order and party authority, stressing that it validates the APC’s right to determine its membership and candidates without external interference.

In a statement issued shortly after the ruling, the lawmaker said the decision has energised party members and residents across Moba, Ilejemeje, and Ido/Osi local government areas, who he noted have thrown their weight behind the governor’s leadership.

He said the court’s position strengthens confidence in Mr Oyebanji’s administration, which he credited for maintaining a focus on grassroots development and inclusive governance.

“This judgment affirms our collective belief in justice and reinforces the stability needed to sustain ongoing development across Ekiti,” Hon. Akinlayo said.

The federal lawmaker also called for unity within the APC, urging stakeholders and supporters to rally behind the governor as preparations for the 2026 election gather pace.

The court ruling, which settles lingering questions around the party’s ticket, places Mr Oyebanji in a stronger political position as he moves towards seeking a fresh mandate under the APC platform.

Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

Published

1 week ago

April 14, 2026

GistNaijaHub

Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

A United Kingdom-based academic and retired Ekiti civil servant, Dr. Samuel Babatola Ayiti, has formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijero Ekiti, declaring support for Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

Dr. Ayiti announced his membership on Monday during the APC ward meeting at Eyigbo Street, Ijero Ekiti Ward C, where party leaders and supporters received him into the fold.

Dr. Babatola Ayiti Joins APC in Ekiti, Backs Oyebanji Re-election Bid

Speaking at the gathering, he praised the leadership of Governor Oyebanji and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging party members to close ranks and intensify mobilisation efforts across communities. He stressed that unity at the grassroots would determine the party’s performance at the polls.

“We must stay committed and deliver our ward convincingly,” he said, calling on members to expand outreach and consolidate support within their neighbourhoods.

Dr. Ayiti said his delayed formal entry into partisan politics stemmed from restrictions tied to his years in the civil service. Now retired, he described his decision as timely and deliberate.

“This is the right moment to fully align with what I believe in,” he said, adding that he had consistently supported the APC during previous elections.

Party officials, led by ward chairman, Mrs. Ade Babalogbon, described his defection as a strategic gain for the party in Ijero Ekiti. They expressed confidence that his experience and network would strengthen ongoing grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election.

The meeting ended with a formal welcome and renewed calls for unity, as Dr. Ayiti pledged to play an active role in the party’s local campaign structure.