Rivers: 7 Takeaways from Tinubu’s speech as he lifts emergency rule

President Bola Tinubu has finally lifted the state of emergency he declared in Rivers state on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. The president said his decision was due to the breakdown of law and order in the state.

Before the suspension of democratic rule in the state, there was a power tussle between the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, now the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over the control of the political structure in the state.

Tinubu noted that the rift between the two political gladiators in the state has started leading to the vandalisation of national assets and, by extension, leading to economic sabotage in the state, which is the background reason for the emergency.

However, in his address to the country suspending the emergency rule in the oil-rich state, there are seven takeaways you should not miss from the president’s speech, which was released on Wednesday, September 17.

Below are the takeaways:

Serious constitutional impasses

President Tinubu reiterated that there was a total paralysis of governance in the state, adding that the executive and the legislature were not working together, and Fubara could not present the appropriation bill to allow him to have access to funds to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

He cited one of the judgments of the Supreme Court, which noted that there was no government in Rivers State. He added that his move and that of other well-meaning Nigerians were aborted by the key players in the crisis.

Nigeria’s constitution backs state of emergency declaration

The president, in his address, noted that his action was in line with Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which empowered him to declare a state of emergency.

This is a subtle response to his critics who have claimed that the president only has the power to declare a state of emergency but does not have the power to suspend an elected officer, particularly a governor. However, no state of emergency would be effective when the elected officers are still in office.

Appreciating NASS, Rivers’ traditional rulers and people

The president extended appreciation to the National Assembly for approving the declaration and shared the same concerns with him.

He also appreciated the traditional rulers and the people of Rivers for promoting peace and stability during the period.

Over 40 cases in court

President Tinubu also disclosed that over 40 legal actions have been instituted against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He maintained that such were parts of democracy.

According to President Tinubu, the suits were instituted in different courts in Abuja, Rivers and Bayelsa states. However, he insisted that the power to declare a state of emergency is contained in Nigeria’s constitution.

Misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations

President Tinubu, in his address, warned against “misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations” in political space, adding that the dividends of democracy can only be realised where there is peace.

In his message to politicians, he emphasised the need for the executive and legislature to always work together so that they can fulfil their promises to the people.

Source: Legit.ng