- Welcomes NASS approval above partisan interests, other considerations
- South-South elders worried over Fubara’s whereabouts
- Okpebholo backs Tinubu, rejects South-South govs’ stance
- Administrator assumes office, promises to return normalcy to Rivers
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State.
He said the move is a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the oil-rich state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed the President’s reaction in a statement he signed on Thursday.
The President specifically commended the National Assembly’s leadership—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members—for “prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations,” the statement read.
He further acknowledged the lawmakers’ diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.
“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy and the significant progress we have made in the reforms initiated since our administration commenced in May 2023,” Tinubu remarked.
“As I detailed in my address to the nation on 18 March, the near-total collapse of governance, threats to federal economic assets, and the risk of widespread violence left no room for hesitation.
“This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability,” he added.
The President affirmed that the six-month emergency will empower the newly-appointed Sole Administrator to stabilise Rivers State, address systemic breakdowns, and facilitate dialogue among conflicting parties.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the National Assembly to advance peace, economic resilience, and equitable development across Nigeria.
“Today’s decision exemplifies what our nation can achieve when unity of purpose and patriotism guide the action of leaders.
“We remain steadfast in pursuing a safer, more prosperous Nigeria—one where every citizen’s potential is safeguarded and nurtured,” said the president.
He thanked all Nigerians for their understanding and urged all stakeholders to support the restoration of peace in Rivers State.
South-South elders worried over Fubara’s whereabouts
However, the South-South Elders Forum has expressed worry over the disappearance of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara after President Tinubu removed him from office on March 18, 2025.
The coordinator of the forum and Niger Delta activist, Anabs Sara-Igbe, on Thursday claimed that they have not heard from nor seen the governor since the suspension.
Sara-Igbe noted that efforts to reach the governor have proved abortive, as they have not been able to communicate with him.
Sara-Igbe said the state is concerned as there is no update about Fubara’s whereabouts.
In a related development, the State Elders and Leaders Forum said it was disturbing for the President to portray Fubara as non-compliant with the eight-point agenda as well as the Supreme Court judgment while disregarding the misconduct of the 27 House of Assembly members and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The elders, in a statement signed by its Chairman and former Governor of Rivers State, Rufus Ada George, Vice Chairman Dr. Gabriel Toby, a former Deputy Governor of the State, and Niger Delta activist Ms. Annkio Briggs, among others, described the President’s action as misleading and unfair.
They said, “By doing so, the President has created a narrative that places the blame solely on the Governor, which is not the true position of the events. This biased perspective overlooks the role of the lawmakers, acting apparently under the influence and direction of the Minister of FCT, thus perpetuating an unjust and one-sided view of the situation.”
They argued that if Fubara and the lawmakers are facing a six-month suspension, it will be fair and just that the Minister of FCT, Wike, also faces a similar six-month suspension.
They argued that the lawmakers’ non-compliance with the President’s directive is linked to Wike’s alleged influence, as they appear to be acting at his behest.
“This move would ensure that justice is served and that all parties involved in the unfortunate crisis are held accountable for their actions,” they stated.
They insisted that Fubara made genuine efforts to present the budget as directed within the specified period, noting that he wrote to the House through his Secretary to the State Government, but it was rejected.
They said the move was a tactical manoeuvre to discredit the government and give it a bad name to justify the imposition of a state of emergency, stating, “Unfortunately, the President’s statement has misinformed the public, creating an inaccurate narrative about the situation in Rivers State.”
The forum, therefore, pledged its stance with the Nigerian Bar Association, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ijaw National Congress, and other pro-democratic organizations and individuals across the country and beyond in condemning the unconstitutional, undemocratic, and uncivilized invasion of Rivers State.
“To this end, we urge all like-minded individuals who champion good over evil to recognize that the threat to one part of Nigeria today may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow. We, therefore, invite all peace-loving Nigerians to join us in this fight for social justice and political freedom.”
“Finally, we join the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in appealing for calm, orderliness, and continued peace in Rivers State. May God bless and protect Rivers State and her people.”
Okpebholo backs Tinubu, rejects South-South govs’ stance
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Thursday, rejected the position of the South-South Governors’ Forum on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
The South-South Governors’ Forum had rejected the President’s proclamation.
However, Okpebholo dissociated himself from his South-South colleagues’ position, noting that he was not consulted by the other governors in the geopolitical zone before they took the decision.
Okpebholo made his position known on the state of emergency in a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.
Okpebholo said he supports actions so far taken by President Tinubu towards bringing a lasting solution and peace to Rivers State and the South-South geopolitical zone.
“The position by the Governors of the South-South, opposing the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, did not get the nod of Governor Okpebholo, as he was neither consulted nor informed.
“While Governor Monday Okpebholo acknowledges the right of other governors in the South-South geopolitical zone to take a position, he, however, dissociates himself from any statement that opposes the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.
“Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, understands the issues at stake,” the statement said.
Administrator assumes office, promises to return normalcy to Rivers
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has assumed duty. He promised to return Port Harcourt to its original self.
The former Naval Chief arrived at the Government House, Port Harcourt, at noon on Thursday, following a formal reception at the airport led by the Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
He was accompanied by security heads, including the General Officer Commanding, the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder, and the Commander of 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Air Force.
Others were the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services, and the Director of Energy Security, Office of the National Security Adviser.
Upon arrival, the administrator proceeded to the State Executive Council Chambers, where he was received by the Permanent Secretaries.
He immediately held a closed-door meeting with security heads, the CP, the DSS Director, the Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretaries.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Sole Administrator noted that discussions were still ongoing with security heads.
He said he may be able to speak further later in the day.
He, however, said that the situation in Rivers State appears calm, pledging to ensure that the situation is completely brought to normal.