President Bola Tinubu has officially requested the House of Representatives to approve a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating security threats and political instability.
The request, made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, follows increasing incidents of pipeline vandalism by militants, which the Federal Government believes the state government has failed to control.
Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, confirmed the development on Tuesday.
He stated that Tinubu had consulted the leadership of the National Assembly and top security officials before reaching the decision.
“The leadership of the National Assembly met with Mr. President and the National Security Adviser ahead of the broadcast,” Rotimi said. “Key security chiefs were also present and were fully briefed on the situation. All parties unanimously expressed their support.”
He further disclosed that Tinubu’s formal letter to lawmakers has been transmitted and will be read on the floor of the House during plenary on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
“Further legislative action will be debated and decided on the floor,” Rotimi added.
Following the declaration, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers have been suspended from office. In their place, the Federal Government has appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the state’s administrator for an initial six-month period.
The state of emergency grants the Federal Government direct control over Rivers State’s affairs, including the deployment of security forces to restore stability.
