Nollywood actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo has accused President Bola Tinubu of illegally shortening Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s tenure by declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. According to Okonkwo, the six-month emergency period should be added to Fubara’s four-year tenure, extending it to November 29, 2027, instead of the conventional May 29, 2027.

Okonkwo’s Reaction

In a statement released on Saturday via his X account, Okonkwo argued that Tinubu’s action is unconstitutional and deprives Fubara of his full tenure. He urged Fubara to challenge the impact of the state of emergency on his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

Background of the Emergency Declaration

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing persistent political crises and constitutional breaches. The declaration suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.²

Implications of the Emergency Declaration

The emergency declaration has sparked controversy, with many questioning its constitutionality and implications for democratic governance in Rivers State. Okonkwo’s reaction reflects the concerns of many Nigerians who see the declaration as a power grab by the President.

“Gov Fubara was elected to serve for four years from the date of being sworn in.

“The illegal declaration of the state of emergency has reduced his term of office illegally by six months. Fubara has the right to challenge this illegal declaration of a state of emergency that took his six months away from him in court, with a view to recovering his six months,” he argued.

Citing Supreme Court precedent, Okonkwo noted that the Apex Court had established that governors must complete four full years from their swearing-in date.

According to his calculation, ending Fubara’s tenure on May 29, 2027, would shortchange Rivers people of six months of democratic governance.

“Supreme Court has held that the tenure of a Governor must complete four years from the day he was sworn in. This was how we got the staggered electoral system in our elections.

“If Fubara leaves office on May 29, 2027, he served for only three years and six months. He is entitled to four years from the day he was sworn in. His tenure should be due to end on the 29th day of November, 2027,” he argued.

Okonkwo also warned that conducting gubernatorial elections in Rivers State before November 29, 2027, would be unconstitutional, warning that the precedent being set could affect future democratic processes across the country.

“Any conduct of gubernatorial election before the expiration of his tenure on the 29th day of November 2027 should be deemed illegal and unconstitutional.”

“This will send a conclusive message to every future President that his action can not terminate or shorten the will of the people as expressed through elections.

Power to govern Rivers State belongs to Rivers people, not to any President or his unelected Sole Administrator.”

“Rivers State must recover all the months that the Tinubu’s cankerworm government has wasted for them,” he declared.