In this report, LAOLU AFOLABI examines the events leading to the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, the rationale behind the decision, and the history of similar emergency declarations in Nigeria since 1999 The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, culminating in President Bola Tinubu’s declaration Read More
A power struggle between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor Nyesom Wike escalated after Fubara succeeded Wike in March 2023. The Rivers State House of Assembly, largely loyal to Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara in October 2023, following an arson attack on the Assembly complex. Fubara declared the impeachment process null, while a factional Assembly led by Edison Ehie (who was later purportedly elected as factional Speaker) suspended 27 lawmakers. The 27 lawmakers purportedly defected to the APC. Ehie obtained a court order declaring their seats vacant, after which Fubara presented the 2024 budget to the four-member faction led by Ehie and the budget was passed the same day, while Fubara signed it into law on December 14, 2023.
