President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that more than 40 court cases were filed across three states against his decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State.
Tinubu, who on Wednesday announced the suspension of the six-month-old emergency rule in Rivers, said intelligence reports indicated a renewed spirit of understanding among stakeholders in the state, paving the way for a return to democratic governance.
“This is a welcome development and a remarkable achievement for our country,” he stated.
The President explained that the legal challenges were instituted in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa by individuals opposed to the proclamation. While noting that dissent is normal in a democracy, Tinubu stressed that the security situation in Rivers left him with no alternative.
“The power to declare a state of emergency is a constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety,” he said.
Tinubu added that the decision was consistent with a Supreme Court ruling that highlighted the scale of disorder between the executive and legislative arms in Rivers. “We had reached a point of total breakdown of public order and public safety. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to act,” he remarked.
He also emphasized the need for harmony between the executive and legislature at all levels of government, insisting that such cooperation is essential for good governance.
“The people who voted us into power expect the dividends of democracy. That expectation cannot be realized in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity driven by misguided political activism and manipulations,” Tinubu said.
Background
The Rivers political crisis, rooted in the fallout between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his former ally, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, had triggered widespread chaos in the state. Reports of pipeline vandalism, threats of civil service protests, and heightened factional clashes ultimately led to the emergency proclamation.
During the period, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator of Rivers State. His inauguration was held at the State House, Abuja, with Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) confirming that the state’s allocations would be released to the new administration.
The move, however, sparked heated debate nationwide—critics questioned the necessity and legality of the emergency rule, while supporters argued it was essential to restore order.
