Timeline of Emergency Rule Declarations in Nigeria Since 1999

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor and all assembly members due to escalating political tensions. This action is part of a broader history of emergency rule in Nigeria since 1999, addressing various crises including violence and governance breakdowns in several states.

In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, marking Nigeria’s history of emergency declarations since 1999. This declaration suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for a duration of six months, aiming to address escalating political tensions within the state.

The President referenced section 305(5) of the 1999 Constitution in his broadcast, emphasizing the necessity of this intervention. “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,” he stated. Furthermore, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) as the administrator to manage the affairs of Rivers State during this period.

Historically, Nigeria has experienced several state of emergency declarations. Notably, in May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo proclaimed a state of emergency in Plateau State due to ethno-religious violence, resulting in over 2,000 fatalities. The governor at that time, Joshua Dariye, was suspended, and Major General Chris Alli was appointed as administrator.

In 2006, following the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose in Ekiti State, President Obasanjo declared an emergency rule to restore order amidst significant unrest. The appointment of Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) ensued to oversee the administration.

On December 31, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rules in select local government areas of Borno and Plateau States to combat early Boko Haram attacks and communal violence.

Between 2013 and 2014, further declarations were made as President Jonathan extended emergency rule in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States in light of the intensified Boko Haram insurgency characterized by attacks and mass abductions, including the infamous Chibok kidnapping.

The recent emergency declaration in Rivers State signifies a continued response to Nigeria’s complex political and security landscape.

The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu reflects Nigeria’s ongoing challenges with political instability and governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999. This timeline of past emergencies underscores various crises throughout the nation that have necessitated such drastic measures. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas to oversee state affairs highlights the government’s approach to managing these evolving tensions effectively.

Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com