Netizens react as Tinubu declares State of Emergency in Rivers, suspends Fubara, others

Nigerian netizens are reacting with mixed emotions to President Bola Tinubu’s Tuesday declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly.

Tinubu, during a nationwide braodate on Tuesday, announced that the suspension would last for six months during which time Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) would be appointed Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Tinubu’s decision comes amid escalating political chaos in the state involving Governor Fubara against his predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, as well as pro-Wikelawmakers.

Tinubu stated in his broadcast that he is “greatly disturbed” by the political situation in Rivers State, adding that he has “watched with concern the development with the hope that the parties involved would allow good sense to prevail at the soonest, but all that hope burned out without any solution to the crisis.”

He noted that with the crisis persisting, the state has been “at a standstill” since the crisis started, with the people of the state not being able to have “access to the dividends of democracy.”

Tinubu also referenced the Fubara’s controversial demolition of the state House of Assembly in December 2023, which, according to Tinubu, had left the state without a functioning legislature for over 14 months.

He stated; “I have made personal interventions between the contending parties for a peaceful resolution of the crisis, but my efforts have been largely ignored by the parties to the crisis. I am also aware that many well-meaning Nigerians, Leaders of thought and Patriotic groups have also intervened at various times with the best of intentions to resolve the matter, but all their efforts were also to no avail. Still, I thank them.

“On February 28, 2025, the supreme court, in a judgement in respect of about eight consolidated appeals concerning the political crisis in Rivers State, based on several grave unconstitutional acts and disregard of rule of law that have been committed by the Governor of Rivers State as shown by the evidence before it pronounced in very clear terms:

“A government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state under the 1999 Constitution as amended. In this case the head of the executive arm of the government has chosen to collapse the legislature to enable him to govern without the legislature as a despot. As it is there is no government in Rivers State.”

The above pronouncement came after a catalogue of judicial findings of constitutional breaches against the Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tinubu added.

The declaration has, however, caused a mixed reaction of opinions online, with many Nigerians questioning the legality, fairness, and motives behind Tinubu’s dectistion. While some applaud the president’s intervention as a necessary step to restore order, others decry it as an overreach, accusing him of favouritism toward Wike and undermining the country’s democracy.

Supporters of the decision argue that Tinubu’s intervention was essential to restore order and peace in the state. An X user, ‘Diplomat’ Túndé Gẹ́síndé, praised the President’s actions, writing, “President Tinubu declared a state of emergency amidst River State Governmental Palava. This is a commendable decision anyway. I commend the President for this measure of authority in ensuring peace and coexistence in the state. Now, it’s time for them to go below the Order!”

Albert Dking defended the suspension, arguing, “Most people don’t understand what Tinubu did in Rivers State for peace. The governor, deputy, and lawmakers are all suspended. So, there are no winners here before you start insulting Tinubu.”

However, others have raised concerns about the move’s implications for democracy. One user, Ogakwu Abaros, wrote, “I think the declaration is a misplacement of priority. Wike should have been ordered to stay clear from Rivers State leadership. He can’t be minister and in charge of a state at the same time. Wike a god or above order?”

Another user, Ebovi Wali Global, asked “What is the special interest of the Tinubu administration in Rivers State? IPOB and UGM ravaged the East, no state of emergency. Boko Haram and herdsmen ravaged the North, no state of emergency.”

Jamilu Sufi also reacted saying “How can you suspend a democratically elected governor? How?! Is this a democracy or a one-man dictatorship? Who did we offend in this country to deserve this level of lawlessness?”

Some users, like URENMA, accused Tinubu of running a military regime, saying, “It’s obvious we are running military regime in an era where we claim democracy. The president suspended the Constitution of Nigeria all because of one man but couldn’t suspend the man from his cabinet. It’s so shameful and terrible. The double standard is screaming.”

While others, such as Akin Toh Bolaji, suggested a shorter suspension, saying, “Nah!!! All parties involved are suspended, including the House. After reading the broadcast, I think it’s a fair judgement, but three months would have been better. They should use the six months to mend things and get back on track.”

Some users like Ebovi Wali Global also pointed out the perceived double standard in the president’s actions, stating that while Rivers State is in a state of emergency, other regions experiencing similar crises are left untouched.

“What is the special interest of the Tinubu administration in Rivers State ? IPOB and UGM ravaged the east, no state of emergency. Boko Haram and herdsmen ravaged the North, no state of emergency. Their sub national governments are still running.” Ebovi Wali Global wrote.