According to BBC news, a state of emergency is a situation in which the government gains the authority to take actions that it normally cannot, in order to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property and to prevent the situation from worsening further.
During this period, certain human rights of individuals may be suspended, depending on the severity of the circumstances that led to the declaration.
However, as it stands now in Rivers State, even though President Tinubu announced that the state of emergency took effect on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, experts say that Governor Siminalayi Fubara will remain in charge until the National Assembly votes in support of Tinubu’s decision on this matter.
Tinubu has already nominated retired Navy Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator who will oversee Rivers State for an initial six-month period during the state of emergency. The constitution also grants the president and the National Assembly the power to extend it by another six months if necessary.
It is expected that the presence of military personnel will increase in Rivers State, especially since President Tinubu has stated that he has issued them a stern warning to protect lives and oil pipelines in the state. Additionally, it is possible that a curfew may be declared and movement restricted during this period.
