There Was no Governance in Rivers State When I Declared State of Emergence, Says Tinubu

BY admin
May 23, 2025
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that there was no governance in Rivers State prior to his declaration of State of Emergency there.

The President’s submission was made in a joint affidavit filed on May 20 at the Supreme Court by the Senior Special Assistant to the President of the State House, and the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Taiye Hussain Oloyede.

According to President Tinubu, the state of emergency was necessary to prevent anarchy in Rivers State, which was plagued by conflict between the Executive and the State House of Assembly.

The President cited numerous lawsuits and a breakdown in governance, which he claimed had been confirmed by the Supreme Court in a previous judgment.

The affidavit was filed in response to an application by three individuals, Yirabari Israel Nulong, Nengim Ikpoemugh Royal, and Gracious Eyoh-Sifumbukho, who are seeking to nullify the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

The applicants argue that the President’s actions were unconstitutional and an overreach of his executive powers.

However, President Tinubu’s affidavit, which was filed on behalf of himself, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Rivers State Administrator, Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and the suspended Governor Similayi Fubara, claims that the National Assembly had given its backing to the proclamation.

The presidential aide, Mr. Oloyede, who deposed to the affidavit, stated that he was conversant with the case and that the facts leading to the proclamation of the state of emergency were captured in the President’s address to the nation.

He further stated that the President acted to prevent a breakdown in law and order in the state.

As the drama unfolds, Nigerians are left wondering what the future holds for Rivers State and the country as a whole. Will the Supreme Court uphold the President’s declaration, or will it rule in favor of the applicants? Only time will tell.