🚨🇮🇷 BREAKING: Reports of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in central Iran about 30 min ago pic.twitter.com/Cb8YQhwI3U
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) June 20, 2025
🚨🇮🇷 BREAKING: Reports of a 5.2 magnitude earthquake in central Iran about 30 min ago pic.twitter.com/Cb8YQhwI3U
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) June 20, 2025
The flood, which has reportedly claimed 153 lives and displaced thousands of residents, prompted Obi to visit the affected communities and express his sympathy to the government and people of Niger State.
Mr. Peter Obi during his visit prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed victims and called for international and national support to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
He also donated a trailer load of food items, including rice, maize, and millet, to cushion the disaster's impact.
The flood, which has reportedly claimed 153 lives and displaced thousands of residents, prompted Obi to visit the affected communities and express his sympathy to the government and people of Niger State.
Mr. Peter Obi during his visit prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed victims and called for international and national support to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
He also donated a trailer load of food items, including rice, maize, and millet, to cushion the disaster's impact.
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My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
My dear Rivers People,
I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.
Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court's judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.
Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.
Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.
God bless Rivers State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
By Dr. Farah Dagogo
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1. Power to Declare a State of Emergency: Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution
Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) outlines the conditions under which the President may declare a state of emergency. Specifically: Section 305(1) The President may, by instrument published in the Official Gazette issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof
Section 305(3) states that the President may only declare a state of emergency in a state if:
(a) The Governor of the state, with a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, requests the President to do so; or
(b)There is actual breakdown of public order and public safety requiring extraordinary measures; or
(c)There is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof; or
(d) There is an occurrence or imminent danger of invasion, war, or insurrection; or
(e)There is a natural disaster or public health emergency; or
(f)There is any other danger threatening the existence of the Federation.
Since President Tinubu admits that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not request the proclamation (as required under Section 305(5), the legal basis for this declaration rests on whether public order and public safety have truly broken down, justifying the invocation of emergency powers.
2. Legality of the Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.
One of the most controversial aspects of the declaration is the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly Under the 1999 Constitution:
The only legal way to remove a Governor or Deputy Governor is through impeachment by the State House of Assembly under Section 188.
- The Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend or remove a Governor or Deputy Governor outside the impeachment process or a valid resignation.
Section 11(4) and (5) states that only the National Assembly can take over legislative functions of a State House of Assembly in cases where it cannot function. It does not allow for the suspension of elected lawmakers.
Given these constitutional provisions, President Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials is unconstitutional, as there is no provision in the 1999 Constitution granting such powers. Even during a state of emergency, the Governor and Deputy Governor remain in office, unless removed in accordance with constitutional procedures.
3. Appointment of an Administrator: Constitutional Implications
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to govern Rivers State raises another constitutional issue. The 1999 Constitution does not recognize the office of an "Administrator" in place of an elected Governor, The Constitution only provides for:
A Governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)). A Deputy Governor elected alongside the Governor (Section 186)
The only situation where an unelected official can assume control of a state is under military rule, which is not applicable under a democratic system governed by the 1999 Constitution.
4. Role of the National Assembly in Approving the State of Emergency
Under Section 305(2) and (6), the President must transmit the emergency proclamation to the National Assembly for approval within two days. If the National Assembly does not approve it within 10 days, the proclamation ceases to have effect.
Thus, for this declaration to be valid, it must receive the backing of the National Assembly. If the National Assembly does not approve it, the state of emergency becomes null and void.
5. Judicial Interpretation and Possible Legal Challenges.
Given the constitutional breaches in the proclamation, there are strong grounds for legal challenges in court. The Supreme Court’s pronouncement in A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013) LPELR-20974(SC) reaffirms the principle that the President must act within constitutional limits, even in extraordinary situations.
The affected officials—Governor Fubara, his Deputy, and the State Assembly members—can challenge the suspension in court, arguing that:
- The Constitution does not empower the President to suspend elected officials
- The appointment of an unelected Administrator violates democratic principles.
- The National Assembly must approve the state of emergency before it takes effect.
Conclusion: Is the State of Emergency Constitutional?
While the President has the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, the suspension of elected officials and appointment of an Administrator exceed constitutional limits. Any action outside the scope of the 1999 Constitution is illegal and could be overturned by the courts.
By Dr. Farah Dagogo
1. Power to Declare a State of Emergency: Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution
Section 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) outlines the conditions under which the President may declare a state of emergency. Specifically: Section 305(1) The President may, by instrument published in the Official Gazette issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof
Section 305(3) states that the President may only declare a state of emergency in a state if:
(a) The Governor of the state, with a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, requests the President to do so; or
(b)There is actual breakdown of public order and public safety requiring extraordinary measures; or
(c)There is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof; or
(d) There is an occurrence or imminent danger of invasion, war, or insurrection; or
(e)There is a natural disaster or public health emergency; or
(f)There is any other danger threatening the existence of the Federation.
Since President Tinubu admits that the Governor and Deputy Governor did not request the proclamation (as required under Section 305(5), the legal basis for this declaration rests on whether public order and public safety have truly broken down, justifying the invocation of emergency powers.
2. Legality of the Suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly.
One of the most controversial aspects of the declaration is the suspension of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State House of Assembly Under the 1999 Constitution:
The only legal way to remove a Governor or Deputy Governor is through impeachment by the State House of Assembly under Section 188.
- The Constitution does not grant the President the power to suspend or remove a Governor or Deputy Governor outside the impeachment process or a valid resignation.
Section 11(4) and (5) states that only the National Assembly can take over legislative functions of a State House of Assembly in cases where it cannot function. It does not allow for the suspension of elected lawmakers.
Given these constitutional provisions, President Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials is unconstitutional, as there is no provision in the 1999 Constitution granting such powers. Even during a state of emergency, the Governor and Deputy Governor remain in office, unless removed in accordance with constitutional procedures.
3. Appointment of an Administrator: Constitutional Implications
The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) as the Administrator to govern Rivers State raises another constitutional issue. The 1999 Constitution does not recognize the office of an "Administrator" in place of an elected Governor, The Constitution only provides for:
A Governor elected by the people (Section 176(1)). A Deputy Governor elected alongside the Governor (Section 186)
The only situation where an unelected official can assume control of a state is under military rule, which is not applicable under a democratic system governed by the 1999 Constitution.
4. Role of the National Assembly in Approving the State of Emergency
Under Section 305(2) and (6), the President must transmit the emergency proclamation to the National Assembly for approval within two days. If the National Assembly does not approve it within 10 days, the proclamation ceases to have effect.
Thus, for this declaration to be valid, it must receive the backing of the National Assembly. If the National Assembly does not approve it, the state of emergency becomes null and void.
5. Judicial Interpretation and Possible Legal Challenges.
Given the constitutional breaches in the proclamation, there are strong grounds for legal challenges in court. The Supreme Court’s pronouncement in A.G. Federation v. A.G. Lagos State (2013) LPELR-20974(SC) reaffirms the principle that the President must act within constitutional limits, even in extraordinary situations.
The affected officials—Governor Fubara, his Deputy, and the State Assembly members—can challenge the suspension in court, arguing that:
- The Constitution does not empower the President to suspend elected officials
- The appointment of an unelected Administrator violates democratic principles.
- The National Assembly must approve the state of emergency before it takes effect.
Conclusion: Is the State of Emergency Constitutional?
While the President has the power to declare a state of emergency under Section 305, the suspension of elected officials and appointment of an Administrator exceed constitutional limits. Any action outside the scope of the 1999 Constitution is illegal and could be overturned by the courts.
The arrival of Hercules C130 Airforce plane at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport by 4:20pm today to drop off troops alongside military hardwares has been confirmed.
Please let everyone be advised and prepare for the days ahead, difficult days are ahead of us all, our teaming youths should be careful and learn how to dress well to avoid harassment or arrest by these blood thirsty demons, avoid large gatherings and keeping late at night, present yourself in a decent and gentle manner when being accosted by these folks.
IMO may plunge into a gorilla battle if the unknown gunmen extends their rilvary with the soldiers, DSS, and police, then our people will become the victim of crossfire.
The state of Emergency in Oyo State is actually needles but will be to favour the FULANI Invaders as the federal government has been showing endless Supports for the terrorists and criminals causing unrests everywhere across the country.
The cabals have also embarked on executing plans to extend the tenure of the incumbent by any means possible including using bandits and Herdsmen to cause havocs.
The arrival of Hercules C130 Airforce plane at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport by 4:20pm today to drop off troops alongside military hardwares has been confirmed.
Please let everyone be advised and prepare for the days ahead, difficult days are ahead of us all, our teaming youths should be careful and learn how to dress well to avoid harassment or arrest by these blood thirsty demons, avoid large gatherings and keeping late at night, present yourself in a decent and gentle manner when being accosted by these folks.
IMO may plunge into a gorilla battle if the unknown gunmen extends their rilvary with the soldiers, DSS, and police, then our people will become the victim of crossfire.
The state of Emergency in Oyo State is actually needles but will be to favour the FULANI Invaders as the federal government has been showing endless Supports for the terrorists and criminals causing unrests everywhere across the country.
The cabals have also embarked on executing plans to extend the tenure of the incumbent by any means possible including using bandits and Herdsmen to cause havocs.