- President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, invoking Section 305 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution
- The emergency declaration saw the suspension of key officials, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and the appointment of a new administrator to oversee the state
- TheRadar highlights previous presidents who have utilised this provision, alongside the states affected
The state of emergency that was declared in Rivers State by President Tinubu marked the fourth instance since the beginning of the Fourth Republic that a Nigerian president has invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
The announcement, made during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, included the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months.
As part of the declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the state administrator, who will oversee the affairs of Rivers State during this time.
Section 305 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution allows the government to suspend normal constitutional procedures in situations of national danger, disaster, or terrorism.
In such times, the president has the authority to implement necessary regulations to restore public order and safety.
4 times Nigerian presidents declared state of emergency
TheRadar highlights former presidents that have utilised this provision along with the states where it was applied below:
1. 2013: President Goodluck Jonathan - Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states
President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states in 2013 due to the escalating Boko Haram insurgency. This declaration, which involved deploying military forces to combat the insurgency, did not result in the suspension of government officials.
2. 2011: President Goodluck Jonathan - Borno, Plateau, Yobe, and Niger States
In 2011, President Jonathan declared a State of Emergency in select local governments in Borno, Plateau, Yobe, and parts of Niger States, all of which were increasingly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. The declaration also included the closure of borders with neighbouring countries; Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. However, similar to the 2013 declaration, no officials were suspended in these states.
3. 2006: President Olusegun Obasanjo - Ekiti State
In 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State following the contentious impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. The state had descended into political chaos, prompting the suspension of Governor Fayose and the State House of Assembly for six months. This emergency was aimed at restoring order in the state’s governance.
4. 2004: President Olusegun Obasanjo - Plateau State
Earlier, in 2004, President Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State due to escalating violence between the Muslim and Christian communities. The violence, which had been ongoing since 2001, resulted in over 2,000 deaths. In response, Governor Joshua Dariye was suspended, and the state’s House of Assembly was also dissolved to restore peace.
Suspended Rivers Governor Fubara urges calm after state of emergency declaration
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that suspended Rivers governor Siminalayi Fubara called for calm and unity in a statement after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state.
According to the report, Fubara expressed frustration with the Rivers State House of Assembly and urged resilience in navigating the crisis.