A Comprehensive Overview of Emergency Rule Declarations in Nigeria Since 1999
President Bola Tinubu recently declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending key officials for six months due to escalating political tensions. This event adds to Nigeria’s history of emergency declarations since 1999, including notable instances in Plateau, Ekiti, Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States in response to violence and political crises.
The recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu marks the latest event in a series of similar actions in Nigeria since 1999. Announced during a national broadcast, this emergency status suspends Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all elected assembly members for six months due to escalating political tensions.
The legal basis for this declaration is grounded in Section 305(5) of Nigeria’s Constitution of 1999, as amended. President Tinubu stated, “It has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke the provision of section 305 of the Constitution… to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State with effect from today, March 18, 2025.”
In 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared an emergency in Plateau State in response to severe ethno-religious violence, resulting in over 2,000 deaths since 2001. This led to the suspension of Governor Joshua Dariye and the assembly, with Major General Chris Alli (retd.) appointed as the administrator.
A similar situation arose in Ekiti State in 2006 when political upheaval followed the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose. This situation compelled President Obasanjo to impose emergency rule and appoint Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) to oversee the state.
On December 31, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in certain local government areas within Borno and Plateau States, prompted by early Boko Haram attacks. Subsequent declarations from 2013 to 2014 included Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, reflecting the government’s response to the escalating Boko Haram insurgency marked by attacks and mass abductions, including the infamous Chibok kidnapping.
Returning to the present, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, results from ongoing political struggles. He appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) to manage the state’s affairs during the emergency period.
In summary, Nigeria has seen several instances of emergency rule since the restoration of civilian governance in 1999. The most recent declaration in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu underscores persistent political instability within the region. Historical precedents highlight similar measures taken to address ethno-religious violence and political crises across various states, reflecting a challenging governance landscape that calls for attention and resolution.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
