President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing escalating political unrest and security threats, including the destruction of oil pipelines by militants.

In a nationwide address on Tuesday night, Tinubu said the decision was necessary due to the prolonged crisis in the state, the breakdown of governance, and the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy to address the situation or seek federal intervention.

The president noted that the Rivers State House of Assembly building was demolished in December 2023 and has remained unreconstructed for over 14 months, rendering the legislature ineffective. He referenced a February 28 Supreme Court ruling, which condemned the unconstitutional acts in the state, stating that Rivers lacked a functional government due to the executive’s suppression of the legislature.

Security reports, according to Tinubu, confirmed recent acts of pipeline vandalism, with militants making threats against perceived enemies of the governor, whom he accused of failing to take action.

“With all these and many more, no responsible president will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps,” Tinubu stated, invoking Section 305 of the Constitution to justify the emergency declaration.

The emergency measure takes immediate effect from March 18, 2025.