In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sudden declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state assembly has sparked outrage across the country. What began as a fierce political feud between two heavyweights—Minister Nyesom Wike and his former protégé, Governor Fubara—has now escalated into a full-blown crisis, leaving citizens and political analysts alike questioning the implications of such a drastic step.

For nearly two months, Rivers State, the oil-rich jewel of Nigeria, has been locked in a bitter power struggle. On one side, the ambitious Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and on the other, Fubara, the newly elected Governor who has found himself facing off against his former mentor. The tension reached a boiling point earlier this week when 26 members of the 32-member House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, issued a notice against Fubara. This was a clear signal that the political showdown was no longer just a battle of words—it had turned into an all-out war.

The power struggle, however, has had far more serious consequences than mere political rivalry. As violence escalates, destructive pipeline explosions have rattled the state, further deepening the crisis. Civil servants, growing increasingly frustrated, have threatened mass protests against the faction in the House of Assembly that supports Wike, and the streets of Rivers are now bracing for more turmoil.

Enter President Tinubu. Addressing the nation on Tuesday evening, he announced that his decision to invoke a state of emergency was a response to the growing political instability and the violent incidents, particularly the recent vandalization of pipelines. Citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows for the suspension of normal constitutional procedures during times of national danger or disaster, Tinubu explained that the decision was necessary to restore order and end the escalating violence.

But this bold move comes at a high cost. The president’s proclamation suspends Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Tinubu has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as the state’s administrator, with the mandate to oversee affairs for the next half-year.

This unprecedented intervention has raised critical questions: Is this suspension truly constitutional? And what are the potential repercussions of sidelining democratically elected leaders in favor of a government-appointed administrator?

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) does not empower the president to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the pretext of a state of emergency. In fact, the Constitution outlines specific procedures for the removal of both the governor and deputy governor in Section 188. Furthermore, the dissolution of parliament or the removal of its members is strictly governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws, none of which have been observed by the president in this case.

Section 305(2) of the Constitution states:

“A proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect— (a) if it is not approved by a resolution of the National Assembly within two days when the National Assembly is in session; or (b) if the National Assembly is not in session, within ten days after it reconvenes.”

These provisions make it clear that a state of emergency declared by the president does not automatically take effect; it requires legislative approval within a specified timeframe.

As such, the purported removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is not only unconstitutional but also unlawful. This act is a dangerous assault on the very foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

Therefore, for many Nigerians, the move feels like a heavy-handed attempt to settle a political score rather than a genuine response to the state’s crisis. Critics argue that suspending elected officials undermines democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for the future of governance in the country. Others fear that the decision could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region, potentially leading to more violence and unrest.

As the nation watches with bated breath, the question remains: Will Tinubu’s controversial power play restore order, or will it deepen the political and social divide in Rivers State—and across Nigeria? The coming weeks will reveal the true cost of this daring move.

*Alhassan wrote from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.