Crisis in Rivers State? The Suspension of Governor Fubara
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Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most politically charged and economically significant states, is once again in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has triggered a national debate.
Legal experts, political analysts, activists, and everyday citizens are asking critical questions about the constitutionality of the suspension, the powers of the President, and the long-term impact on Nigeria’s democracy. Does the President have the power to suspend an elected governor? What are the implications for Nigeria’s democracy? Many Nigerians are questioning the constitutionality of this suspension, worried that it could set a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria.
A Background on Governor Fubara’s Tenure
First, we need to understand how things escalated to this point. Governor Siminalayi Fubara was elected under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He took office in May 2023 inheriting a politically charged atmosphere as Rivers State has been a hotbed of political drama and infighting.
Initially seen as an ally of former Governor Nyesom Wike, things quickly fell apart. Apparently, a power struggle developed between the two. Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under President Tinubu’s administration, was rumored to still control much of the state’s affairs behind the scenes.
Soon, there were allegations of budget mismanagement, executive overreach, internal party conflicts, and power struggles between Fubara’s administration and pro-Wike lawmakers.
Things took a dramatic turn when some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara. The most prominent of the reasons for the impeachment attempt was the governor’s alleged unauthorized state budget presentation and claims of undermining the legislative arm but many still believe that the real issue was his fallout with Wike and his refusal to play the role of a puppet governor.
What began as a tussle for political control soon spiralled into violent confrontations, legal battles, and security threats with both parties vying for dominance.
State of Emergency Declared in Rivers State
The crisis reached a boiling point when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. His justification was the escalating political unrest and security concerns, including a pipeline explosion on the Trans Niger Pipeline which disrupted oil production and further worsened the crisis.
President Bola Tinubu then suspended Governor Fubara along with his deputy, Ngozi Odu and all the elected members of the House of Assembly for six months effectively stripping Rivers State of its elected leadership. He then appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) as the state’s military administrator.
This decision has left the country divided.
What the Nigerian Constitution Says About Suspension
Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the President to declare a state of emergency under specific circumstances, including situations where there is a clear and present danger of a breakdown of public order and safety. However, the application of this provision to suspend a sitting governor and dissolve the state legislature has sparked intense arguments from various parties.
Supporters vs Critics of the Suspension
The federal government and some in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defend this move as necessary for stabilizing the state and ensuring security. According to government spokespersons, President Tinubu acted in the best interest of national stability. They claimed that Rivers State had become too volatile, and with its significance to Nigeria’s oil industry, urgent measures were required to prevent a total breakdown of governance.
Many other Nigerians saw this move as a red flag under two main premises: one, a state of emergency does not automatically translate into the suspension of elected officials and two, the Nigerian Constitution does not give the President unilateral powers to remove a sitting governor outside of due process which should normally involve the state legislature and the judiciary.
Many Nigerians feel strongly about this decision as they see it as a political power play orchestrated to weaken Fubara and reassert control over Rivers State. Given the historical importance of the state in Nigeria’s elections and economy, the stakes are undeniably high.
Voices of Opposition: Falz, NBA, and Human Rights Groups Speak Out
Among those who have strongly opposed the suspension is rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, known for using his influence to challenge political injustices.
Rivers State, there is NO LAW that allows a president to SUSPEND a governor. A Governor is elected into office and may only be removed by impeachment,”
Falz
His statement echoed the views of his father, Femi Falana (SAN), and other legal experts who have pointed out that President Tinubu’s decision was unconstitutional. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the move and labelled it an overreach of executive power, warning that it is a “slippery slope” move.
They implied that while the President can assume certain powers during a state of emergency, the outright suspension of elected officials without due process undermines democratic principles and sets a dangerous course for the nation’s governance.
Prominent Leaders Speak Out
Prominent figures in leadership such as former President Goodluck Jonathan and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka have weighed in on the matter, criticizing the federal government’s actions and highlighting concerns over the impact on Nigeria’s democracy.
“These actions by key actors in the executive and legislative arms of government paint the country in a negative light. A clear abuse of offices, clear abuse of power, clear abuse of privileges, cutting across the three arms of government — from the executive through the parliament and to the judiciary.”
former President Jonathan at a colloquium in Abuja
PDP Governors and SERAP Take Legal Action
PDP governors from seven states have also sued the President at the Supreme Court, stating that the President has grossly violated the provisions of the Nigerian constitution and overstepped his authority. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has also taken the case to court, demanding a judicial review of the suspension.
If the courts do not review and overturn this decision, many fear it could open the floodgates for future Presidents to sideline democracy whenever political conflicts arise.
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator? More Controversy
As if to validate the fear of many Nigerians about the overreach of executive power being displayed, Ibas, who was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu has made decisions that have raised eyebrows. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator in charge of Rivers State, upon assuming office, has suspended all the political appointees of the suspended Governor Fubara, with immediate effect.
The decision was conveyed in a statement on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in which the administrator’s Chief of Staff said the pronouncement was made under the powers granted to Ibas by President Bola Tinubu.
The suspension affected the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff, all commissioners, chairpersons, and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants appointed by Fubara. He directed the suspended officials to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). In the absence of a Permanent Secretary, the most senior Director or Head of Administration will assume leadership.
Reactions from Indigenous Leaders
Many Nigerians including the president of the Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, described this move as unconstitutional and an extension of illegality. According to Okaba, the Nigerian Constitution does not recognise the role of a sole administrator in a state, nor does it provide for the suspension of an elected governor.
“It is all one component of multiple infractions in our constitution. The constitution does not provide for sole administrators or even the suspension of a legitimately elected governor”
~ Okaba
The suspension of Fubara’s appointees has sparked widespread condemnation, with many viewing it as the beginning of many more infractions to come.
What Happens Next in Rivers State?
As it stands, there are three likely outcomes
- The Supreme Court Rules Against President Tinubu: If the court finds the suspension unlawful, Governor Fubara and all members of his cabinet could be reinstated. This would be a win for democracy and a loud declaration that the rule of law will always prevail and nobody is above the constitution.
- President Tinubu’s Decision Stands: If the court upholds the suspension, it could validate the idea that Presidents can unilaterally suspend or dismiss governors when and however they please. This would lead to a downward spiral of power dynamics in Nigeria’s federal system.
- Political Negotiations: Behind closed doors, negotiations could be made where Fubara steps down or is reinstated under certain conditions. As we know, in Nigeria’s history, political settlements often override legal battles.
Is Nigeria Still a Democracy? Or a Dictatorship?
Governor Fubara’s suspension may have been framed as a move to restore stability, but the larger issue is: can a President legally remove an elected governor without due process? If this is allowed to stand, what does that say about the future of Nigeria’s democracy?
For now, all eyes are on the Supreme Court as their ruling will determine whether the rule of law holds firm or whether Nigeria is sliding into dangerous political territory where power, not the constitution, determines who stays in office. This is not just about Governor Fubara’s suspension. It’s about the future of democracy in Nigeria.
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