State of Emergency: Opposition Figures and Lawyer Weigh in as Tension Envelopes Rivers

State of Emergency: Opposition Figures and Lawyer Weigh in as Tension Envelopes Rivers

The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu has led to heightened tensions and widespread reactions across the state. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly for six months due to ongoing political turmoil……….READ MORE

The announcement followed the escalating conflict between Governor Fubara and his estranged political godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike, which had caused significant unrest. The situation worsened after a group of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated an impeachment process against the governor, accusing him of gross misconduct. The Supreme Court had recently reinstated these lawmakers, who had been previously declared to have vacated their seats due to their defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the wake of the impeachment move, the situation took a violent turn when armed militants blew up the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bodo, Gokana local government area. Shortly after the state of emergency was declared, another explosion occurred at a pipeline manifold in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, further escalating fears of instability.

Reactions from Political Figures and Experts:

1. Labour Party’s Concern: Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, condemned the suspension of elected officials, questioning its constitutionality. He expressed concern about the implications of the state of emergency on Nigeria’s democracy, urging the National Assembly to review the situation.

2. PDP’s Accusations: Dr. Adejor Anthony, a PDP chieftain, accused President Tinubu of siding with Wike in the crisis. He claimed that the president ignored Wike’s recent statements, which he believes fueled the crisis and the subsequent impeachment proceedings against the governor.

3. Obidient Movement’s Warning: Dr. Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, warned that the suspension of Governor Fubara could spark further crises in Rivers State. He emphasized that the situation should have been handled with more caution, as it risks deepening the divide and increasing tensions.

4. Legal Perspective: Rivers-based lawyer Barrister Mathew A. Abakpa defended the president’s action, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the president the authority to declare a state of emergency. He argued that the political crisis, marked by the impeachment proceedings and violent attacks on infrastructure, justified the declaration of the state of emergency.

As the situation unfolds, military personnel have reportedly taken over the Rivers Government House, in line with the president’s proclamation. Meanwhile, groups loyal to the suspended governor are preparing to stage protests in various parts of the state.

The developments in Rivers State continue to ignite intense debate, with many questioning the constitutional and democratic implications of such drastic measures.