History: State of Emergency In Nigeria since 1999 To oversee the state during the emergency fundamentals, the President appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), as the administrator
The 1999 Constitution, under Section 305, empowers the President to report a state of emergency under specific conditions.
The proclamation must be published in the government gazette and transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.
The two-thirds majority of the National Assembly is wanted to substantiate the declaration, ensuring a system of checks and balances to prevent abuse of executive powers.
Since Nigeria’s bounce back to democracy in 1999, Tinubu’s action marks the fourth time a state of emergency has been declared by a sitting President.
Here are other notable instances:
1. Plateau State (2004)
In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo publicised a state of emergency in Plateau State following a surge in ethno-religious fight that led to dispread killings and extirpation. The governor and state assembly were suspended, and Major General Chris Alli (retd.) was appointed administrator to restore order.
2. Ekiti State (2006)
A leadership violence in Ekiti State prompted Obasanjo to impose emergency bedrock in October 2006.
The unrest stemmed from the controversial impeachment of Governor Ayo Fayose, which plunged the state into turmoil. Brigadier General Adetunji Olurin (retd.) was appointed administrator until the situation stabilized.
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3. Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States (2013)
Amid intensifying Boko Haram insurgency, President Goodluck Jonathan publicised a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states on May 14, 2013.
Unlike previous instances, governors and state assemblies were not suspended; instead, the federal government deployed more troops and imposed curfews to curb insurgent activities.
Category: World-News
Tag: History State of Emergency In Nigeria since 1999
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Published 3/18/2025