A growing political crisis is unfolding in Rivers State following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu, which has drawn sharp reactions from various quarters, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governors, lawmakers, and regional stakeholders.
PDP Governors Take Legal Action
The PDP governors, led by the state governors of Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa, have filed a suit before the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. They are questioning the President’s authority to suspend elected state officials and replace them with an unelected Sole Administrator under the guise of a state of emergency.
The governors argue that this action undermines the principles of constitutional federalism and contravenes sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. They are demanding that the Supreme Court intervene to prevent what they consider an unconstitutional overreach.
High Court Case and Legislative Oversight
Meanwhile, former House of Representatives member Farah Dagogo has filed a separate lawsuit in the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, challenging the suspension of Governor Fubara and the dissolution of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court has fixed May 12, 2025, for substantive hearing. The case was brought to address concerns over the legality of the emergency rule and its implications for the state's governance.
The House of Representatives has also moved to inaugurate an ad-hoc committee to monitor the implementation of the emergency rule in Rivers State. The committee will ensure that governance remains constitutional and that any actions taken during the emergency period are subject to legislative oversight.
Senator Seriake Dickson Supports Fubara
Senator Seriake Dickson, a former Governor of Bayelsa State, has expressed his support for Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara, praising him for his peaceful demeanor amid the ongoing political crisis. Dickson, while speaking during a visit to Fubara, urged the people of Rivers State to remain calm, avoid violence, and focus on resolving the political disagreements through dialogue.
Tompolo Breaks Silence
Notable Ijaw leader and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has also broken his silence on the Rivers State situation. While reassuring the public that Governor Fubara will eventually return to his seat, Tompolo stressed the need for dialogue between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. He urged that the issues in Rivers State be resolved through peaceful discussions, emphasizing unity within the Ijaw nation.
Tompolo also clarified that despite accusations of betraying the Ijaw nation for his silence, his commitment to resolving the matter peacefully remains steadfast. He further warned against any attempts to destabilize Bayelsa, calling it the "home of all Ijaws."
National Assembly’s Support and Public Concerns
The National Assembly had previously supported the President’s decision via a voice vote, despite concerns raised by opposition leaders and stakeholders in Rivers State. The declaration of a state of emergency and the subsequent appointment of a Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has sparked widespread debate about the legal and political ramifications of such a move.
As tensions continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will rule on the matter and whether political figures like Governor Fubara will regain their positions.
