President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State ignited a heated national debate. The directive includes suspending the governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members for six months, with retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas appointed as the federally designated Sole Administrator.
BusinessDay’s March 2025 TalkExchange recent poll has revealed overwhelming opposition to the federal government’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The survey, which gauged public sentiment on key aspects of the intervention, highlights concerns about governance, democracy, and constitutional adherence.
When asked whether the state of emergency was necessary to address security and governance issues, 69.2% of respondents said it was unnecessary, while only 23.1% believed it was needed. A small fraction, 7.7%, remained uncertain.
The suspension of elected officials by the President raised constitutional questions among respondents. An overwhelming 82.1% stated that the decision violated the 1999 Constitution, while only 7.7% viewed it as constitutional. Another 10.3% were unsure about its legal standing.
The decision to appoint a federally backed Sole Administrator for Rivers State was met with strong opposition, with 82.1% stating it undermines democracy. Only 17.9% supported the move, citing stability as a key factor.
The National Assembly’s approval of the emergency rule via a voice vote instead of a headcount was criticised for lacking transparency. A significant 87.2% of respondents believed the process was not transparent, compared to 5.1% who considered it an efficient method. Similarly, 87.2% felt a roll-call vote should have been conducted to ensure a two-thirds majority approval.
A critical question in the debate was whether the situation in Rivers State met the constitutional threshold for a state of emergency. A large majority of 87.2% said it did not, while 12.8% believed it qualified.
Read also: Debt, spending, and revenue: Nigerians react to ₦54.99 tn budget for 2025
The poll also assessed whether this intervention could set a precedent for future federal takeovers of state governance. A substantial 76.9% feared it could encourage further federal interventions, while 17.9% considered it an isolated case. Another 5.1% were uncertain.
Respondents shared their thoughts on how the state of emergency could impact governance and democracy in Rivers State. One participant remarked, “The President should have restrained a bit, even at the expense of losing the state in 2027. At least he would have been seen to do the right thing instead of yielding to the demands of the FCT minister.”
Concerns over instability and violence were also raised. Another respondent stated, “It would create instability and could lead to violence.”
Some viewed legal adherence as a weakness in leadership. One comment read, “Legalism is a sign of weak leadership. A leader should be decisive when critical decisions need to be taken.”
The economic impact was also highlighted, with a participant noting, “The people of Rivers State will continue to live in fear of the unknown. This will discourage investors from coming in because they do not know what the federal government will come up with next.”
Others saw the move as necessary to restore order. One respondent argued, “Although it may seem harsh and unconstitutional, I believe the President’s decision is necessary to restore stability in the state.”
Some believed the action would distort governance cycles. A participant remarked, “This will automatically enrol Rivers State in the non-regular states of voting for gubernatorial seats. It will distort the regular cycle of election, governance, and democracy.”
The declaration of a state of emergency could have significant implications for governance in Rivers State and beyond. Key concerns include:
Centralisation of power: Increased federal control over state governance.
Suspension of rights: Potential limitations on free speech and assembly.
Military presence: Possible deployment of security forces, impacting daily life.
Erosion of trust: Growing distrust in government decisions.
Political exclusion: Restrictions on participation in democratic processes.
As the debate continues, the future of Rivers State remains uncertain. The federal government’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the state of emergency resolves the crisis or exacerbates tensions further.
Take a look at previous poll results.
