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Nigeria’s History Of State Of Emergency: Rivers Becomes Fourth Since 1999 – See List

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2 weeks ago

Mar 19, 2025.

Nigeria’s History Of State Of Emergency: Rivers Becomes Fourth Since 1999.
Nigeria has imposed emergency rule four times since returning to democracy.
Past cases include Plateau (2004), Ekiti (2006), Borno, Yobe, Adamawa (2013).

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected state lawmakers for six months.

Retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, has been appointed to oversee governance.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this marks the fourth time a Nigerian President has imposed emergency rule since the country’s return to democracy in 1999.

Previous States of Emergency in Nigeria:

Plateau State (2004)
President Olusegun Obasanjo declared emergency rule in Plateau following deadly ethno-religious violence. Governor Joshua Dariye and the state assembly were suspended, with Major General Chris Alli (retd.) appointed to restore order.
Ekiti State (2006)
Obasanjo imposed emergency rule in Ekiti due to a political crisis following the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was named administrator.
Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in three states amid the Boko Haram insurgency. Unlike previous cases, governors and state assemblies remained in office while the federal government deployed additional troops and imposed curfews.

Nigeria State Of Emergency
Rivers State (2024)
President Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers following a prolonged political crisis. Governor Sim Fubara and the state assembly were suspended, and Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) was appointed to oversee governance.