Social media abuzz as Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, suspends Governor Fubara

Social media was set abuzz on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political tensions and security challenges. This decisive action led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

The immediate catalyst for this declaration was a series of pipeline vandalisation by militants, which the President noted had not been adequately addressed by the state government. These acts of sabotage threatened the nation’s oil infrastructure and economic stability. Also, Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis, with internal conflicts within the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leading to threats of impeachment against local leaders.

In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, to justify the proclamation. This section empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in any part of the country under specific circumstances, including situations where public order and safety are threatened.

The President emphasised that the decision was made after careful consideration and was necessary to restore peace, order, and good governance in Rivers State. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period.

It’s important to note that while the executive and legislative arms of the state government have been suspended, the judiciary remains functional, just as the president also mentioned. This ensures that legal processes and the rule of law continue unabated during the state of emergency.

The declaration has been forwarded to the National Assembly for approval, as mandated by the constitution. This step underscores the adherence to democratic principles and the system of checks and balances inherent in Nigeria’s governance structure.

The declaration of a state of emergency by President Tinubu has ignited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms. Nigerians have taken to these platforms to express a spectrum of opinions, ranging from support for the President’s decisive action to concerns about potential overreach and implications for democracy. This diverse array of perspectives underscores the nation’s engagement with and sensitivity to political developments.

How Nigerians are reacting to the state of emergency in Rivers State:

When a user asked if the president can suspend the governor of a state, popular singer, Falz, responded: “The simple answer is no.”

Under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the President does not have the authority to unilaterally suspend or remove a sitting state governor. The process for removing a governor is explicitly outlined and involves impeachment by the state’s House of Assembly or through judicial proceedings.

However, the President can declare a state of emergency in a state under certain conditions, as specified in Section 305 of the Constitution. This provision allows for such a declaration in situations like war, imminent danger, public order breakdown, or natural disasters. During a state of emergency, the federal government may assume certain powers within the affected state to restore order and ensure governance.

Historically, there have been instances where the declaration of a state of emergency led to the suspension of state officials. For example, in 2006, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Ekiti State, suspending Governor Ayodele Fayose, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly due to political crises. He appointed a retired military officer as the administrator during this period.

Legal experts have debated the constitutionality of such suspensions. Some argue that while the President can declare a state of emergency, the outright suspension of elected officials may overstep constitutional boundaries, as the removal of a governor typically requires legislative or judicial action.

In summary, while the President cannot directly suspend a governor under normal circumstances, the declaration of a state of emergency has, in practice, led to such suspensions. The constitutionality of this practice remains a subject of legal debate and interpretation.

Other Nigerians have continued to express their thoughts and opinions on social media about the matter.

@JamiluSufi: How can you suspend a democratically elected governor? How?! Is this a democracy or a one-man dictatorship? Who did we offend in this country to deserve this level of lawlessness?

@mimieyo: You suspend a governor that was legally voted in by the people and appoint an administrator? What exactly is going on here?

@realkelvin07: 34.6% of 1.47m barrels of daily crude oil output at 508k barrels is at risk with this current martial law.

@Neo_Official: Let us continue doing 30 days rant online while these people decimate this country. As usual, we will whine all over the internet, and everybody moves on. Until we all hit the streets with one voice, nothing will change. These people in power know we are toothless bulldogs.

@I_Am_Illemona: 1. There is nowhere in the constitution where the President is permitted, empowered or authorised to appoint a sole administrator of a state. It is illegal and unconstitutional. 2. The constitution is clear. A governor of a state can only be removed from office by the completion of his tenure, by death, resignation or impeachment. 3. These are principles of law that have long since been established by the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These actions today violate the provisions of the Constitution and the declarations of the Supreme Court.

@Mister_Mash: What is this madness? A few days ago you were dubbed “a terrible president”, today you went ahead to prove it. How on earth do you usurp the powers of a governor. This is clearly a coup d’etat. This clown came to destroy the very fabric of democracy in this country.