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Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers, Suspends Governor Fubara
By Divine Perezide – March 18, 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability and governance paralysis. The announcement, made during a nationwide address on Tuesday evening, resulted in the immediate suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all 27 elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Legal Basis for the Declaration
President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to justify his decision, emphasizing that the crisis in Rivers State had escalated beyond political resolution. He expressed deep concern over the prolonged tension in the state, particularly the unresolved dispute between Governor Fubara and political stakeholders.
“I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance,” Tinubu stated during his address. “Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.”
He further explained that decisive action was necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and security in the oil-rich state.
Appointment of State Administrator
To ensure governance continuity, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Retired) as the Administrator of Rivers State. The retired military officer is expected to restore stability, maintain law and order, and oversee administrative functions during the emergency period.
The appointment follows reports of increased security threats, including pipeline vandalism and explosions at oil facilities, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and the Trans-Niger Pipeline operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The federal government has cited these incidents as contributing factors to the emergency declaration.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The declaration has sparked widespread debate across Nigeria, with many citizens and political analysts questioning the necessity and timing of the move. Some critics argue that the state of emergency is politically motivated, while others support the decision as a necessary step to restore order in Rivers State.
With the suspension of elected officials and the installation of an unelected administrator, concerns have been raised about the implications for democracy and governance in the state. The coming weeks will determine how this decision shapes Rivers State’s political landscape and whether it sets a precedent for federal intervention in state affairs.
Stay connected with Iduwini Voice for further developments on this unfolding situation.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
A tragic road accident involving Nigerian-British boxing star Anthony Joshua has reportedly claimed two lives in Ogun State, sparking concern across the country.
The incident occurred on Monday around the Makun axis of the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most heavily trafficked highways. Preliminary information indicates that a vehicle conveying the former heavyweight world champion was involved in a collision with another car, though the exact cause of the crash remains unclear.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emeraina.
Eyewitnesses said emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to manage traffic and assist victims. Two occupants of the other vehicle were confirmed dead, while details about injuries are still emerging.
Sources close to the development said Joshua survived the accident, but officials are yet to release a comprehensive statement on his condition or the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the cause of the collision, as motorists were advised to exercise caution while plying the expressway.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has long been notorious for road accidents, often linked to speeding, congestion, and poor visibility, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures.
By: Doubra Stanley
ABUJA, Nigeria – December 26, 2025
The United States military launched coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) targets in northwest Nigeria on Thursday, confirming a significant escalation in international counter-terrorism cooperation.
President Donald Trump announced the operation, saying U.S. forces had carried out “powerful and deadly” strikes against militants linked to Islamic State in Sokoto State.
According to official statements, the strikes were ordered at the direction of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief and carried out with the support of Nigerian authorities, CBS News reported.
The U.S. Department of War released video footage showing munitions being launched toward militant positions, underscoring Washington’s commitment to confronting extremist groups in West Africa. U.S. Africa Command, which oversees American military operations on the continent, said the initial assessment pointed to the death of several ISIS fighters, Fox News reported.
In a social media post, President Trump framed the strikes as part of a broader effort to halt attacks on vulnerable communities, particularly in areas where extremist violence has surged.
Nigerian officials described the operation as part of ongoing security cooperation, emphasizing shared intelligence and strategic planning to counter persistent threats from extremist factions.
The operation marks one of the most visible U.S. military actions in Nigeria in 2025, reflecting deepening ties between Abuja and Washington in addressing the complex security landscape marked by Islamist insurgencies and criminal violence. Nigerian authorities reiterated that the fight against terrorism transcends religious lines, stressing that violent groups have targeted both Christian and Muslim communities in recent years, Reuters added.
Security analysts say the strikes may signal further foreign involvement in countering extremist networks in the region, even as Nigerian forces continue domestic operations against multiple militant groups.
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By: Divine Perezide
As the countdown begins for the forthcoming Ijaw Media Conference Volume 2, the organizers, Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has announced that the President of Egbema Brotherhood, Alaowei Promise Lawuru, has accepted the role of Guest of Honour come December 2025.
IPF had earlier announced the second edition of its annual event, with the Christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations.”
Chief Lawuru, the young Ijaw businessman and politician, received a delegation of the Central Working Committee led by Pastor Arex Akemotubo last Monday, where the invitation was extended to him.
Akemotubo explained that this year’s theme was chosen out of concern for the growing strain on the region’s land and waters. The Publisher of WaffiTV stressed that the forum wants to strengthen public understanding, support honest reporting, and encourage leaders to protect the resources of the Niger Delta for generations to come, adding that Lawuru’s antecedence of service to humanity and unwavering commitment to community development made him a natural choice for the role.
Chief Lawuru welcomed the invitation and spoke warmly about the need for shared responsibility among stakeholders and groups such the IPF. He commended the Forum for using media to defend the region’s interests and promised full support for the conference.
Lawuru further urged other stakeholders across the Ijaw nation to throw their weight behind efforts that safeguard the resources and environment of Ijaw nation in particular and the larger Niger Delta region.
As the train continues to galvanise leaders across the region, IduwiniVoice can report that the who is who in the Niger Delta from business to political sphere are marked to be in attendance.
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