In a nationwide address on March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, citing the ongoing political crisis in the state.
The decision, delivered during a 7 p.m. broadcast, also extended to Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who had been embroiled in a protracted conflict with the governor.
To restore order and stability, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, granting him authority over the state’s affairs during this emergency period.
As events continue to unfold, here are five key developments in Rivers State since Governor Fubara’s suspension:
1. National Assembly Backs Emergency Rule, Establishes Mediation Committee
In a decisive move on March 20, 2025, the National Assembly formally ratified President Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives exercised their constitutional authority under the amended 1999 Constitution, granting the president the power to enforce emergency measures for up to six months.
With this approval, Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s lawmakers remained suspended, effectively handing full control of the state’s administration to the appointed sole administrator.
To prevent further escalation of tensions, the National Assembly also set up a joint oversight committee to monitor developments in Rivers State. Additionally, a Mediation Committee, composed of respected national figures, was formed to facilitate dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
2. Sole Administrator Ibas Prioritizes Reconstruction of Assembly Complex
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), now overseeing the state’s governance, wasted no time in addressing key infrastructure concerns. On March 22, 2025, he visited the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, which is undergoing reconstruction following extensive structural damage.
During the inspection, Ibas directed Monier Construction Company Limited, the firm handling the project, to expedite work and meet stipulated deadlines. The project aims to restore full legislative functionality in the state, ensuring a seamless transition once democratic governance is reinstated.
The new Assembly complex is set to feature 34 en-suite offices, modern meeting rooms, a conference hall, and a public gallery, designed to accommodate the state’s lawmakers and support staff in a more conducive working environment.
3. Federal Government Resumes Local Government Allocations to Rivers State
On March 21, 2025, the federal government released withheld local government allocations to Rivers State, now under the administration of Vice Admiral Ibas. The disbursement, which had been frozen due to the state’s political instability, aims to restore normalcy and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential public services.
During a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administration in Port Harcourt, Ibas assured civil servants that salaries and essential expenditures would be prioritized. He acknowledged the economic hardships facing the Niger Delta region, emphasizing that restoring fiscal stability remained a key priority under his leadership.
4. PDP Governors Challenge Emergency Rule in Supreme Court
The declaration of emergency rule has sparked legal and political pushback, particularly from governors affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). On March 23, 2025, a coalition of PDP governors, including those from Bauchi, Adamawa, and Bayelsa, filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, contesting the legality of Governor Fubara’s suspension.
The governors argue that Tinubu’s decision violates the 1999 Constitution by unilaterally dismissing elected officials without due process. The legal battle is expected to be a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history, with political analysts predicting that the case could set a significant precedent for governance in crisis-ridden states.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, tensions between the federal government and opposition parties continue to mount.
5. Fubara Makes First Public Appearance Amid Political Turmoil
Despite his suspension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara made a surprise public appearance on March 23, 2025, at the Salvation Ministries Headquarters in Port Harcourt. Attending a special prayer and thanksgiving service, Fubara used the occasion to dispel rumors that he had fled the state amidst the crisis.
Addressing the congregation, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Rivers State residents and reassured them of his commitment to the state’s well-being. He also emphasized his faith in God, stating that justice would ultimately prevail.
Fubara’s re-emergence signals his determination to remain politically relevant, even as legal and constitutional battles over his suspension continue.
The unfolding political crisis in Rivers State remains a critical national issue, with its resolution likely to shape Nigeria’s governance landscape. While the federal government insists that emergency rule is necessary to restore order, opposition voices continue to challenge its constitutionality.
With ongoing legal battles, administrative changes, and infrastructural reforms, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the political fate of Rivers State and its suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
