This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the political feud between Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State, Nigeria, the subsequent declaration of a state of emergency, and the appointment of a new administrator. The information is derived from multiple reliable sources and aims to address all aspects of the user’s query, ensuring clarity and completeness.
Background and Context of the Feud
The feud between Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State (2015–2023) and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Siminalayi Fubara, the current governor, is rooted in a power struggle following Fubara’s election in 2023. Wike, a prominent political figure, had supported Fubara’s candidacy, but their relationship soured shortly after Fubara assumed office. This conflict has been characterized by attempts by the Rivers State House of Assembly, reportedly aligned with Wike, to impeach Fubara, indicating Wike’s alleged efforts to maintain control over the state’s political landscape. Fubara, on the other hand, has publicly urged Wike to “let go” of Rivers State, emphasizing the need for peace and stability, as noted in a statement during a Channels TV interview on October 7, 2024 (Businessday NG: Fubara to Wike: Let go of Rivers State, you can't win all battles).
The feud escalated into violence following a controversial local government election, with reports of hoodlums attacking local government secretariats in Ikwerre, Eleme, and Emohua, resulting in 3–5 feared dead and equipment being burned. President Tinubu intervened, directing the police to secure the secretariats and restore peace, and called for restraint from all parties, as reported on October 7, 2024 (Businessday NG: Fubara to Wike: Let go of Rivers State, you can't win all battles). Political analyst Bode George warned of potential escalation, comparing it to the 1962–1966 Western Region crisis that led to Nigeria’s civil war, urging Wike to allow Fubara to govern (Businessday NG: Fubara to Wike: Let go of Rivers State, you can't win all battles).
Declaration of State of Emergency
Due to the protracted political crisis and escalating security threats, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. The declaration was justified by reports of explosions on oil pipelines, which posed economic and security risks, and the breakdown of governability, as detailed in a nationwide broadcast (The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer). The legal basis for this action is Section 305 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which empowers the president to declare a state of emergency in situations of war, imminent danger, breakdown of public order, disaster, or threats to the federation’s existence (Leadership NG: Rivers Crisis: All You Need To Know About The State Of Emergency).
As part of the emergency measures, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for an initial period of six months. This suspension effectively paused democratic institutions, except for the judiciary, which remains operational, as noted in multiple reports (Leadership NG: Rivers Crisis: All You Need To Know About The State Of Emergency). The duration can be extended with National Assembly approval if circumstances necessitate, and citizens are expected to comply with regulations such as curfews and restrictions on public gatherings (Leadership NG: Rivers Crisis: All You Need To Know About The State Of Emergency).
Appointment of the New Administrator
To manage the state during the emergency, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a retired Navy chief, as the state administrator. This appointment was announced in the same broadcast on March 18, 2025, and is intended to restore peace, order, and security in Rivers State, a key oil-producing region accounting for 40% of Nigeria’s government revenues and 92% of export value (The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer). The economic importance is further highlighted by reports from the World Bank and NGF, detailing Rivers State’s role in hosting major oil companies and critical infrastructure (The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer).
Implications and Reactions
The state of emergency has sparked mixed reactions. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have criticized it as unconstitutional and an attempt at “state capture,” respectively, arguing it removes elected officials without due process (BBC News: Rivers state crisis: President Bola Tinubu declares state of emergency). Conversely, some see it as necessary to address the security situation, particularly the destruction of oil installations, which could lead to production cuts, revenue losses, and renewed militancy aligned with either Wike or Fubara (The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer). Historical precedents, such as the early 1990s militant attacks and the 2009 amnesty program, suggest that military intervention alone may not suffice, with recommendations for a depoliticized, inclusive peace process (The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer).
Table: Summary of Key Findings
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Feud Between Wike and Fubara | Power struggle; Wike seeks control, Fubara seeks independence; violence post-election. |
| State of Emergency Declaration | Declared March 18, 2025, by Tinubu; suspends governor, deputy, assembly for 6 months. |
| Reason for Emergency | Political crisis, oil pipeline explosions, security threats. |
| New Administrator Appointed | Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, retired Navy chief. |
| Judicial Status | Judiciary remains operational, unlike executive and legislative branches. |
| Economic Impact | Rivers State critical for oil, 40% government revenue, 92% export value. |
| Reactions | NBA, PDP criticize; some support as necessary for security. |
Unexpected Detail: Judicial Continuity
An interesting finding is that while the executive and legislative branches are suspended, the judiciary remains operational, ensuring some continuity in legal proceedings during the emergency. This is significant as it allows for legal oversight and protection of citizens’ rights amidst the political turmoil.
Conclusion
The feud between Wike and Fubara has paralyzed governance in Rivers State, leading to a state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas appointed as administrator. This move aims to restore order, but its success depends on addressing underlying political and security issues, with the judiciary’s continuity providing a potential safeguard.
Key Citations
- The Conversation: Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State under emergency: sending in the army isn’t the answer
- Businessday NG: Fubara to Wike: Let go of Rivers State, you can't win all battles
- Leadership NG: Rivers Crisis: All You Need To Know About The State Of Emergency
- BBC News: Rivers state crisis: President Bola Tinubu declares state of emergency
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