Nigeria: Fears Mount Over Prolonged Emergency Rule in Rivers State

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Political tension continues to rise in Rivers State, Nigeria, amid growing fears that the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may extend beyond its initial six-month duration. Many activists and political figures argue there is no justification for prolonging the emergency in a state they say was largely peaceful before the federal intervention.

The emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state legislature. President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator. Since then, Ibas has replaced local government officials and dissolved the state’s electoral commission, moves critics claim undermine democracy.

Notable figures, including rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs and former PDP chairman Uche Secondus, have accused the federal government of escalating the crisis, suggesting that the real conflict lies between the governor and Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. They argue that suspending only the governor while leaving Wike in office exposes political bias.

Chizy Enyi, a lawyer and APC member, stated that the president’s submission of Rivers State’s 2025 budget to the National Assembly indicates no plans to lift the emergency soon. He also noted that major construction projects have stalled and that democratic institutions remain frozen.

According to Daily Post Newspaper, Rivers APC spokesperson Darlington Nwauju warned that the Sole Administrator’s conduct suggests he intends to stay beyond the six-month timeline. He stressed that lasting peace can only return if political actors resolve their differences and prioritize the interests of the people.