Since 1999, Nigeria has experienced numerous emergency rule declarations. The latest was in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu suspended state leadership amid political conflicts. Noteworthy past declarations include those in Plateau State (2004) due to violence, Ekiti State (2006) after a political crisis, and multiple declarations from 2011 to 2014 in response to Boko Haram violence.
Since Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, the country has experienced multiple declarations of emergency. The most recent occurrence was on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing a political power struggle. This declaration resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months.
The first notable declaration took place in Plateau State on May 18, 2004, due to severe ethno-religious violence. President Olusegun Obasanjo suspended Governor Joshua Dariye and appointed Major General Chris Alli (retd.) as administrator following the violent conflicts that had claimed over 2,000 lives.
In Ekiti State in 2006, a political crisis arose after the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose, leading to significant unrest. President Obasanjo imposed emergency rule and appointed Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) to oversee the state’s administration during this turmoil.
On December 31, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in certain local government areas of Borno and Plateau States to address the escalating violence from Boko Haram and other communal conflicts.
From 2013 to 2014, President Jonathan expanded the emergency to the entire regions of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa, in response to increasing terrorist activities by Boko Haram, which included mass abductions and bombings. Sweeping military powers were granted to combat the insurgency, yet the violence continued.
Returning to the present, President Tinubu’s recent declaration in Rivers State reflects ongoing political instability, and he has appointed Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd) as administrator to manage state affairs during this emergency period, which is set for six months.
The timeline of emergency rule declarations in Nigeria since 1999 illustrates the repeated challenges faced by the nation, predominantly due to political turmoil and violence. The most recent emergency in Rivers State exemplifies the ongoing struggles for governance and stability within the region. Previous declarations highlight the government’s responses to various crises, revealing significant implications for governance and law enforcement in the affected areas.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
