Five Major Things That Has Happened In Rivers Since Tinubu Suspended Fubara As Governor

• Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers amid a crisis.
• The National Assembly approved emergency rule, appointing Vice Admiral Ibas as administrator.
• PDP governors challenged the suspension in court, while Fubara resurfaced publicly.

President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, announced the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, amid the escalating political crisis in the state.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the President also suspended members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Since Fubara’s suspension, several significant events have unfolded:

1. National Assembly Approves Emergency Rule, Forms Mediation Committee
On March 20, 2025, the National Assembly approved Tinubu’s state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. Exercising its constitutional powers, the legislature authorized the six-month emergency period, officially suspending Fubara, Odu, and the lawmakers. In response to the crisis, a joint committee was formed to oversee the state’s administration, while a separate mediation panel was created to resolve the political standoff.

2. Sole Administrator Ibas Inspects Rivers Assembly Complex, Calls for Speedy Completion
On March 22, 2025, Ibas visited the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, urging the contractor to expedite ongoing reconstruction. The project, which includes 34 en-suite offices, a gallery, and a conference hall, is seen as crucial for restoring legislative functions. Ibas stressed that delays in reconstruction were creating governance challenges.

3. Federal Government Releases Withheld Local Government Allocations
On March 21, 2025, the federal government released withheld local government funds to Ibas, who assured that salaries would be promptly paid. He described economic hardships in the Niger Delta as “unacceptable” and emphasized that the funds would aid governance and stability in the state.

4. PDP Governors Challenge Tinubu’s Emergency Rule in Court
Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court, arguing that Tinubu’s actions violate the 1999 Constitution. They seek a reversal of the suspensions, claiming the move undermines democracy.

5. Fubara Makes First Public Appearance Since Suspension
On March 23, 2025, Fubara attended a prayer service in Port Harcourt, debunking rumors that he fled the state. He expressed gratitude for public support and reaffirmed his resilience amid the crisis.

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