President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, due to a political crisis that has disrupted governance. Persisting conflicts and the governor’s unauthorized demolition of the House of Assembly have led to a breakdown in democracy. Despite previous interventions, both the governor and the assembly failed to cooperate, worsening the situation, including threats from militants. The Supreme Court ruled that the governor’s actions were unconstitutional, necessitating this declaration. Consequently, the governor, deputy governor, and assembly members are suspended, and Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas has been appointed as the state administrator to restore order and governance.
