Rivers State Political Crisis: Actions That Led to the State of Emergency

March 20, 2025

3 minutes read

State of Emergency in Rivers

 

The State of Emergency in Rivers State: What Led to This Drastic Move?

The State of Emergency in Rivers State has sparked nationwide debates about governance and security. President Bola Tinubu declared this emergency following political instability, security lapses, and an escalating power struggle. With growing tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and lawmakers, alongside militant threats and economic risks, the federal government was forced to intervene.

Political Crisis and Governance Breakdown in Rivers State

One of the main reasons for the State of Emergency in Rivers State was the prolonged political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and state lawmakers. The crisis began when lawmakers accused the governor of illegally presenting the state budget and making unconstitutional appointments. This led to impeachment attempts, deepening the power struggle and ultimately crippling governance. With state institutions unable to function effectively, intervention became necessary.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers State, Suspends Governor and Lawmakers

Security Lapses and Rising Threats in Rivers State

Beyond politics, security concerns played a major role in the State of Emergency in Rivers State. Reports of pipeline vandalism, particularly on the Trans Niger Pipeline, raised alarms. These attacks threatened Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability. The federal government also criticized Governor Fubara for failing to curb rising militant activity. When militants began issuing threats against political rivals, fears of violence escalated, creating a dangerous situation.

When Has Nigeria Declared a State of Emergency in the Past?

Nigeria has declared a state of emergency multiple times in its history, usually in response to severe security threats or political crises. Some notable instances include:

  • 2004 (Plateau State) – Declared due to religious and ethnic violence.
  • 2013 (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States) – Imposed in response to Boko Haram insurgency.
  • 2018 (Zamfara State – Partial Emergency) – Announced following a surge in banditry and kidnappings.

The State of Emergency in Rivers State follows a similar pattern, with governance failure and security concerns leading to federal intervention.

What Can Lead to a State of Emergency?

A state of emergency is typically declared when:

  1. Political Instability – When a government cannot function due to power struggles or legal disputes.
  2. Security Threats – Terrorism, insurgency, or widespread violence can trigger federal intervention.
  3. Economic Collapse – A financial crisis that threatens national stability may prompt emergency measures.
  4. Public Health Emergencies – Outbreaks like Ebola or COVID-19 have led to emergency responses.

In the case of Rivers State, both political instability and security concerns justified the federal government’s decision. The state’s governance was paralyzed, militants issued threats, and oil infrastructure was under attack—together, these factors met the conditions for a state of emergency.

Federal Government’s Response to the Crisis

Given the gravity of the situation, the federal government had no choice but to act. President Bola Tinubu suspended the governor, deputy governor, and state lawmakers for six months. This move is expected to restore order, stabilize governance, and curb security threats in Rivers State.

Conclusion

The State of Emergency in Rivers State highlights the dangers of political instability and weak governance. Nigeria has faced similar situations in the past, but the focus now is on restoring peace and ensuring the state returns to normal. The coming months will determine whether this intervention achieves its goal.

Would you like additional details on potential long-term impacts or government recovery plans?

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

CAR

ICC Convicts CAR’s Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona

The International Criminal Court (ICC), today, July 24, 2025, convicted Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former head of ...

FCTA

FCT Extends 2024/2025 School Calendar by Five Weeks

The 2024/2025 third term for public primary schools in Abuja has been extended by five ...

Student

UBEC Reaffirms Commitment to Reducing Out-of-School Children

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reiterated its dedication to tackling Nigeria’s high number of ...

DR_Congos_Justice_Minister

DRC Former Minister Mutamba Faces Embezzlement Trial

The trial of Constant Mutamba, former Minister of Justice in the Democratic Republic of the ...

Features

Buhari's Legacy

From the Fulani Plains to Power: The Buhari Chronicle

Muhammadu Buhari (17 December 1942 – 13 July 2025), a name etched into Nigeria’s historical ...

Flood

Texas Mourns as Flash Flood Death Toll Hits 120

Shock has turned to grief across Texas as the death toll from devastating flash floods ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 25th is the day in 1957 that the Republic of Tunisia is proclaimed.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram383.8497
GH Ghana Cedi10.4453
GM Gambian Dalasi72
GN Guinea Franc8,671.51
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,528.07
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.1242
25 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 25 Jul 2025 08:05 UTC
Latest change: 25 Jul 2025 08:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?