Makinde Faults Declaration of State of Emergency in Rivers State

 Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as an “illegality” that undermines democratic principles. The emergency rule, announced on March 18, 2025, led to the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the state’s House of Assembly for six months. 

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Governor Makinde, a prominent member of the People’s emocratic Party (PDP), has condemned the federal government’s action, asserting that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria. He argues that political disagreements and legislative conflicts do not warrant the suspension of a democratically elected government. In response to the declaration, Makinde convened an emergency meeting with other PDP governors, during which they resolved to challenge the state of emergency in court. The governors collectively view the president’s action as an overreach of executive power and a threat to the autonomy of state governments. ​

The federal government justified the declaration by citing recent incidents of pipeline vandalism in Rivers State, including a blast on the Trans Niger Pipeline, and an escalating political crisis within the state’s PDP factions. President Tinubu expressed concern that these issues posed significant threats to national security and oil production, necessitating decisive intervention. Consequently, the president appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator of Rivers State for the duration of the emergency rule. ​

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has criticized the suspension of elected officials in Rivers State, labeling the action as illegal. The NBA contends that a declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments, emphasizing the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions. Similarly, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has rejected the emergency rule, describing it as an unjustifiable assault on democratic governance and a betrayal of the Niger Delta people. PANDEF argues that the pipeline explosion cited as justification does not warrant such extreme measures, especially when similar incidents in other regions have not led to emergency declarations.

Despite opposition from various quarters, the National Assembly approved President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The APC commended the legislature’s decision, interpreting it as a commitment to national security and economic stability. The party has urged Nigerians to support the president’s efforts to maintain order and protect vital national assets, such as oil pipelines, from sabotage.