The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025.
The federal government and opposition figures have clashed over the move, which has seen the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, along with the dissolution of the state House of Assembly.
Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, defended the President’s decision, describing it as timely and essential to prevent further instability.
“The President’s declaration was necessary to protect national infrastructure, especially in light of the ongoing vandalization of oil pipelines,” Fagbemi said, accusing the governor of failing to stop militants from attacking critical infrastructure.
Fagbemi further added, “If the governor was not culpable, he did not do anything to dissuade the militants from taking action against the critical national infrastructure.”
The government’s justification rests on findings from the Supreme Court, which condemned the governor’s actions in dismantling the state’s legislature.
Fagbemi explained, “The governor’s behavior was like that of a despot, and as the situation stood, there was no functioning government in Rivers.”
However, opposition figures, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, have voiced their opposition to the declaration, calling it a “premeditated attack” on Rivers State.
In a statement, Bauchi State Governor and PDPGF Chairman, Bala Mohammed, criticized the President’s “silence” on the role played by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the political crisis. He stated, “This unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State is the greatest threat to democracy in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, now suspended, expressed support for the emergency rule, arguing that it was the result of Governor Fubara’s refusal to adhere to the Supreme Court’s judgment. Speaker Martin Chike Amaewhule stated, “The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor who serially disobeyed judgments and orders of courts.”
In contrast, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, backed the President’s move, citing the urgency of restoring stability.
“The declaration was a necessary measure to address the ongoing political crisis,” he said, emphasizing the need for cooperation to resolve the conflict.