On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu declared the termination of the state of emergency in Rivers State, affirming that full democratic governance would be reinstated in the oil-rich region starting 18 September.
In light of this development, various political leaders and ethnic groups within Rivers State have voiced their expectations regarding how the returning Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, should manage the state’s affairs moving forward.
In a statement personally endorsed by the President, Tinubu explained that his decision was influenced by what he termed “a significant shift in consensus” among key political actors in Rivers State, six months after the emergency rule was initially imposed.
On 18 March 2025, citing Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire 32-member State House of Assembly from performing their official duties.
This drastic measure followed prolonged political turmoil that had effectively stalled governance, with the Assembly divided between a dominant pro-Speaker faction of 27 members and a smaller pro-governor group of four.
The President justified the six-month suspension, which concludes at midnight on 17 September, as essential to prevent what he described as “a slide into chaos,” triggered by the failure of the executive and legislative branches to collaborate, alongside the sabotage of vital economic infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
“Intelligence reports indicate a strong willingness and renewed enthusiasm among all stakeholders in Rivers State to promptly restore democratic governance,” Tinubu affirmed.
Following the lifting of the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule are slated to resume their constitutional responsibilities on Thursday.
Tinubu acknowledged that his emergency declaration sparked over 40 legal challenges across Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa but maintained that the action was unavoidable, especially in light of a Supreme Court ruling that declared governance in Rivers State had effectively collapsed.
“Failing to act would have been a monumental dereliction of duty on my part as President,” he asserted.
The President also praised the National Assembly for its prompt endorsement of the emergency declaration in March and commended traditional leaders and residents of Rivers State for their cooperation during the period.
He urged governors and legislators nationwide to learn from the Rivers crisis, emphasizing that democracy flourishes only in an environment marked by peace, order, and mutual respect between the executive and legislative branches.
“Citizens who elected us expect to enjoy the benefits of democracy, which cannot be realized amid violence, disorder, and insecurity fueled by misguided political activism,” Tinubu cautioned.
He concluded by reminding elected officials across Nigeria that the true rewards of democracy are achievable only within a stable and secure framework.
As the state prepared for the return of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, a tense calm prevailed among the populace.
The emergency declaration in March 2025 was triggered by a severe political crisis in Rivers State, marked by intense rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Key flashpoints included the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023 and ongoing disputes over the legitimacy and membership of the legislature.
Allegations of widespread pipeline sabotage by militants further compounded the crisis, with governance effectively paralyzed due to constitutional violations. The Supreme Court criticized the governor’s management of the Assembly as bordering on “despotism,” concluding that there was “no functioning government” in Rivers State.
During the emergency, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee state affairs, while judicial institutions remained operational.
Although no formal announcement has been made to officially end the emergency, stakeholders have already begun outlining priorities for Governor Fubara’s administration upon his reinstatement.
Voices from the Community
In a conversation with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, Omininim Obiuwevbi, national publicity secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would surpass his previous achievements upon resuming office.
Obiuwevbi stated, “PANDEF firmly believes that every Nigerian state should be governed by a democratically elected leader. We reject military interventions. Governance must be conducted democratically and in strict adherence to the constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.”
“As Fubara returns, we anticipate widespread celebration among Rivers people and expect him to accomplish even more than before,” he added.
Former House of Representatives member Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke also weighed in, urging the governor to restore Rivers State’s prominence within Nigeria.
Nwuke remarked, “With divine favor, we look forward to a united, progressive Rivers State reclaiming its rightful place in the nation’s political landscape.”
“The people are pleased that their elected officials are returning, and the President has honored his commitment to reinstate democracy once the political class agrees to collaborate. Signs indicate that Rivers politicians are now working together, and valuable lessons have been learned,” he noted.
Dr. Ken Robinson, immediate past national publicity secretary of PANDEF, advised Governor Fubara to prioritize governance and distance himself from sycophants and agitators who contributed to the crisis.
“His focus should be on development and effective administration. The state has suffered significant financial and developmental setbacks due to the conflict,” Robinson emphasized.
“Upon his return, the governor must avoid the pitfalls that led to this turmoil,” he added.
Dr. Kennedy West, president of the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), cautioned Fubara against being misled by political adversaries.
“He should concentrate on completing the legacy projects he initiated before the suspension to cement his positive impact,” West advised.
“The six-month hiatus was a major setback, but this period should serve as a catalyst for renewed focus on his vision for the people of Rivers State. This is a critical moment for him to solidify his legacy,” he concluded.
PDP Insider: Fubara Free to Switch Parties
Dr. Emma Okah, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that Governor Fubara is free to leave the party and join any political platform of his choice.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, Okah described the PDP as a weakened entity unlikely to secure the presidency or governorship in Rivers State.
“In today’s Nigeria, ideology has taken a backseat. Politicians often align with parties where they have the best chance of winning. Whether Fubara remains in the APC or PDP is inconsequential. If he chooses to join the APC, I will support him,” Okah said.
“The PDP’s diminished strength is evident, and realistically, it stands little chance in the 2027 elections at both the presidential and state levels,” he added.
Governor Fubara’s media aide, Dr. Dormene Mbea, assured that the governor would govern with fairness upon his return.
“He is a leader with a generous spirit who understands the importance of inclusivity. He aims to ensure that everyone benefits because he values unity among the people of Rivers State,” Mbea stated.
Former ACF Secretary Criticizes Supreme Court’s Silence
Anthony Sani, a former secretary general of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and respected elder statesman, welcomed the lifting of the emergency rule but criticized the Supreme Court for not ruling on the constitutional challenge brought by some governors.
Opposition PDP governors had petitioned the Supreme Court to question the President’s authority to suspend an elected governor.
Sani commented, “If the emergency has restored stability and normalized politics in Rivers State, then the President’s decision not to extend it is justified.”
“However, my concern lies with the Supreme Court’s failure to address the constitutional questions raised by the governors. A definitive ruling would have strengthened the rule of law in our multiparty democracy,” he added.
Marvins Yobana, a former local government chairman in Khana, Rivers State, called for peace and reconciliation among all stakeholders to facilitate progress.
Speaking on a TVC program, Yobana suggested that the governor should engage with the sole administrator to clarify any outstanding issues.
“If no irregularities are found, there is no need to investigate the sole administrator’s tenure,” he said.
He emphasized that healing, especially within the State Assembly, is crucial for the state’s advancement.
