VP Shettima Breaks with Tinubu Over Rivers State Emergency Declaration

Nigerian VP Shettima Breaks Ranks with Tinubu Over Rivers Emergency Declaration

Vice President Kashim Shettima has publicly hinted at disagreement with President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. The rare display of internal discord within Nigeria’s top leadership emerged following Tinubu’s March 18, 2025 emergency declaration.

President Tinubu justified the emergency powers by stating he was “greatly disturbed about the political crisis” engulfing the oil-rich state. The declaration specifically targeted Governor Siminilayi Fubara, whom Tinubu accused of demolishing key infrastructure amid escalating political tensions.

Shettima’s apparent opposition signals potential cracks in the administration’s unified approach to handling Nigeria’s most politically volatile states. Rivers State, which produces significant portions of Nigeria’s oil revenue, has experienced mounting political instability in recent months.

The vice president’s stance represents an unusual public disagreement within Nigeria’s executive branch, where such dissent typically remains behind closed doors. Political analysts view this development as potentially weakening the federal government’s authority in implementing emergency measures.

The emergency declaration grants federal authorities expanded powers to intervene in Rivers State’s governance, including potential suspension of democratic institutions. Governor Fubara has not yet responded publicly to the federal government’s accusations or the emergency status.

This internal disagreement could complicate the administration’s broader strategy for managing Nigeria’s increasingly complex political landscape across multiple states experiencing governance challenges.

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