With the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has witnessed series of state of emergencies since return to civilian rule in 1999.
President Bola Tinubu, in a national broadcast, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu, citing section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, said, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, 18th March 2025 and I so do.
“By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs Ngozi Odu and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months.”
Tribune Online, therefore, presents a timeline of emergency rule declarations in Nigeria since 1999.
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- Plateau State (2004)
On May 18, 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency due to escalating ethno-religious violence between Muslims and Christians. Over 2,000 people were killed in riots that started in 2001. The governor, Joshua Dariye, and the State House of Assembly were suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed as administrator.
- Ekiti State (2006)
A political crisis emerged in Ekiti State when Governor Ayo Fayose was impeached under controversial circumstances. The impeachment led to widespread unrest and a breakdown of governance. President Obasanjo imposed emergency rule and appointed Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) as administrator.
- Some Local Governments in Borno and Plateau (2011)
On December 31, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rule in some local government areas in Borno and Plateau States. This was in response to early Boko Haram attacks and communal conflicts.
- Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013–2014)
President Goodluck Jonathan declared emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States due to the Boko Haram insurgency. The terrorist group launched attacks, bombings, and mass abductions, including the Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014. The military was given sweeping powers, and security operations were intensified, but the crisis persisted.
- Rivers State (2025)
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the protracted political power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, tensions escalated. Tinubu made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy Ngozi Odu; and all the members of the House of Assembly for six months.
Tinubu also appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state for six months.
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