History of state of emergency rule in Nigeria since 1999 (Full List)

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis that has plagued the oil-rich state since September 2023.

In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

To oversee the state during the emergency rule, the President appointed retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the administrator.

Under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, the President is empowered to declare a state of emergency under specific conditions. The proclamation must be published in the government gazette and submitted to the National Assembly for approval. A two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is required to validate the declaration, ensuring checks and balances to prevent executive overreach.

Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, this marks the fourth time a sitting President has declared a state of emergency. Below are previous instances:

1. Plateau State (2004)

In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State due to escalating ethno-religious violence that led to widespread killings and destruction.

The governor and state assembly were suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed as the administrator to restore order.

2. Ekiti State (2006)

A leadership crisis in Ekiti State led President Obasanjo to impose emergency rule in October 2006. The crisis stemmed from the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose, which threw the state into turmoil.

Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed as the administrator until stability was restored.

3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)

Amid the escalating Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states on May 14, 2013.

Unlike previous instances, the governors and state assemblies were not suspended. Instead, the federal government deployed additional troops and imposed curfews to curb insurgent activities.

4. Rivers State (2025) – President Bola Tinubu

On March 19, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a prolonged political crisis since September 2023.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended for six months.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.