In the heart of Nigeria, where the mighty rivers flow and the land whispers tales of ancient glory, a storm brews; a political tempest threatens to unravel the very fabric of democracy. In the heart of the Niger Delta, where the rivers once sang with the music of fishermen and the hushed reverence of ancient mangroves, the waters have turned murky, their whispers now a dirge for democracy. Rivers State, once a beacon of peace and prosperity, now stands at the precipice of chaos, its fate hanging in the balance. The land of wealth, oil, and unyielding political strife has once again been plunged into a maelstrom of ambition, betrayal, and power-lust. Rivers, Nigeria’s prized jewel and economic lifeblood, now groans under the iron weight of a state of emergency – a declaration that, like a thunderclap in an unending storm, has shaken the very foundations of Nigerian democracy.
For months, a bitter duel between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, had festered. A battle of egos and allegiances played out under the golden glare of oil fields and political corridors, leaving governance tethered to the whims of factional warlords. The air had been thick with accusations, the streets teeming with protests, the chambers of governance transformed into arenas of discord. But no one, not even the most seasoned political soothsayers, foresaw the hand of the Presidency descending with such finality. Then, like a gathering storm, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke. And the land trembled.
Last fateful Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, with the stroke of a pen, and the weight of the nation on his shoulders, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, freezing the State government’s lifeblood. The echoes of his nationwide broadcast reverberated through the corridors of power, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Ordu, and all members of the State House of Assembly. The echoes of his nationwide broadcast reverberated through the corridors of power. Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Ordu, and all members of the State House of Assembly were suspended, their voices replaced by the commanding presence of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), a soldier now tasked with governing a civilian space. The state’s will, its people’s choice, had been rendered silent by executive might.
A Nation’s Soul in Question
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as the sole administrator marked a turning point, a moment of reckoning for the beleaguered state. The National Assembly, that supposed bastion of democratic deliberation, folded in compliance like a brittle leaf before the harmattan wind. With muted whispers behind closed doors, both the House and the Senate ratified the emergency rule, granting the President a firm grip over Rivers’ turbulent waters. Their decision, wrapped in the garb of national stability, bore the unmistakable stench of political expediency. What weight does the Constitution hold when power’s thirst becomes insatiable?
The legislature, in its supposed wisdom, proposed exercising oversight on the activities of the sole administrator. It recommended the formation of a council of eminent Nigerians to mediate between the warring factions. But the question looms, heavier than the humid Delta air: If the State’s democracy has been hollowed out by federal intervention, what voices remain to be heard in this charade of peace?
The Paradox of Power and the Ghosts of History
History is unkind to those who refuse its lessons. Nigeria, a nation built upon the ruins of military overreach and the ghosts of past state takeovers, knows too well the dangers of the executive overstepping its bounds. The political crisis in Rivers State is not an isolated incident but part of a broader historical pattern in Nigeria, where states of emergency have been declared in response to severe political instability, ethnic or religious violence, or insurgent activities.
Historical Context of States of Emergency in Nigeria
Western Region (1962):
• Context: Amid a political crisis within the ruling Action Group (AG) party, Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa declared a state of emergency. The conflict between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola, compounded by electoral irregularities and violence, led to a breakdown of order.
• Action: The federal government intervened to restore stability, highlighting the use of emergency powers to address governance breakdowns
Plateau State (2004):
• Context: President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency due to escalating ethnic and religious violence between Christian and Muslim communities in Jos, resulting in hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement.
• Action: Governor Joshua Dariye was suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed as administrator for six months
Ekiti State (2006):
• Context: A political crisis sparked by the impeachment of Governor Ayodele Fayose on charges of corruption and abuse of office led to chaos, including violent clashes.
• Action: President Obasanjo declared a state of emergency, removing Fayose and his deputy, and appointing Tunji Olurin, a retired general, as administrator
Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013):
• Context: Amid escalating Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency. Unlike previous instances, governors and state assemblies were not suspended; instead, the federal government deployed more troops and imposed curfews to curb insurgent activities
Rivers State Crisis (2023-2025):
• Context: The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State began in September 2023, with tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now FCT Minister. The crisis paralyzed governance and led to acts of vandalism, particularly targeting oil infrastructure
• Action: President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, suspending Gov. Fubara, his deputy, and the State legislature. Vice admiral Ibas was appointed sole administrator
These historical instances reflect the federal government’s intervention when local governance fails to function effectively. The current crisis in Rivers is a continuation of this pattern, where political divisions and power struggles necessitate federal intervention to restore stability. The precedent is clear – once democracy is tampered with, its spirit never fully recovers. The people of Rivers now find themselves in the throes of an imposed order, where the will of the ballot box has been subdued by the decree of the Presidency. Yet, amidst these political maneuvers, the soul of Rivers cries out for justice, for peace, for a return to the democratic ideals that once guided its path. And so, the river flows – choked, constricted, bled of its freedom.
Wrong precedent for a constitutional crisis
In proclaiming the six-month state of emergency, President Tinubu said the state’s security situation and protracted political logjam between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly members, even after the apex court’s pronouncement, necessitated his intervention to forestall a total breakdown of law and order. However, opposition leaders, including former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, have vehemently condemned the declaration. In a passionate press conference, Atiku decried the move as unlawful and unconstitutional, a brazen assault on the nation’s constitution; which he argued, does not grant the president the power to remove a state governor under any circumstances. His words, filled with conviction, echoed the sentiments of many who fear that this political crisis is but a prelude to a darker chapter in Nigeria’s history.
The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, undermines the very foundation of democratic governance. This move sets a dangerous precedent where political disputes are resolved not through lawful and democratic means, but through executive intervention. Such actions risk normalizing the suspension of elected officials, eroding the principles of representative democracy. The political crisis casts a long, ominous shadow over Nigeria’s democracy, raising profound questions about the integrity of its democratic institutions and the rule of law. The implications are multifaceted and deeply troubling.
The political maneuvering could set a troubling precedent for other states as the crisis highlights significant constitutional challenges. The Nigerian Constitution, under Section 305, allows for a state of emergency in cases of severe breakdown of public order. However, the application of this provision in Rivers State, where governance continues despite political tensions, raises questions about the constitutionality and necessity of such drastic measures. This situation could lead to a broader constitutional crisis, challenging the balance of power between federal and state authorities. If the federal government can suspend state officials and impose administrators at will, it opens the door for similar interventions in other politically contentious regions. This could lead to a cycle of instability, where political disagreements are met with federal overreach rather than democratic resolution.
Call for Dialogue and Mediation
In light of these implications, there is a strong call for dialogue and mediation. Political leaders, civil society, and traditional rulers must come together to address the root causes of the crisis through democratic and legal means. Ensuring that all parties are heard and that grievances are resolved within the framework of the law is essential for restoring stability and confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. The Rivers crisis is a critical test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience. It is a moment that calls for introspection, adherence to constitutional principles, and a recommitment to the democratic ideals that underpin the nation. The path forward must be one of dialogue, justice, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
This crisis is not merely a political struggle; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. The land, rich with oil and history, has become a battleground for power and influence. The people of Rivers caught in the crossfire yearn for stability, for leaders who will rise above personal vendettas and govern with wisdom and integrity. The rivers that give the state its name flow with the tears of its citizens, their hopes and dreams submerged in the turbulent waters of political discord.
What Now? The Unanswered Questions
As the nation watches, the question remains: will Rivers State emerge from this crisis stronger, or will it succumb to the forces that seek to divide and conquer? The answer lies not in the halls of power, but in the hearts of the people. For it is they who must rise, who must demand justice, who must hold their leaders accountable. The rivers may flow, but it is the will of the people that will determine the course of history. The crisis is a stark reminder of how political instability can ripple through every layer of society, affecting the livelihoods, safety, and well-being of local communities. As Rivers grapples with these challenges, the resilience and determination of its people will be crucial in navigating this turbulent period.
Can governance thrive under compulsion? Will the sole administrator, a soldier by training, grasp the nuanced complexities of civilian governance? How does Rivers regain the lost breath of its democracy, and more crucially, how does Nigeria ensure this act does not become an unchecked norm? The streets of Port Harcourt whisper their fears. The creeks, once loud with the cries of activists and militants alike, murmur with unease. The nation watches, a million eyes locked on the fate of a state whose wealth fuels the economy but whose people now find themselves voiceless in the corridors of power.
In this moment of uncertainty, let all the protagonists and antagonists in this crisis remember the prophetic words of the great Chinua Achebe: no man, however great, ever won judgement against his own people; no man ever won judgment against his clan. And even if you do, your people will still say, you betrayed them. As the tides shift, one truth remains: A river choked will one day overflow its banks. And when it does, those who wield power today must reckon with the tempest they have sown.
