Tinubu ends Rivers emergency rule, paving the way for Governor Fubara’s return amid strong political backlash and legal controversy
Tinubu ends Rivers emergency rule as elected officials prepare to return to power following a controversial six-month suspension of democratic governance in the state.
Also read: Fubara Set to Return as Rivers State Awaits Turning Point
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu formally ended the state of emergency in Rivers, a move that now allows Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly to resume their constitutional duties.
The decision comes a day before the six-month emergency rule was set to expire.
The emergency declaration, enacted on 18 March 2025, was triggered by a prolonged political conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The period was marked by the suspension of elected officials and the appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.) as sole administrator.
Critics have slammed the emergency rule as unnecessary and unconstitutional. Legal experts and opposition figures argue that the conditions outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution were not met, making the suspension of democratic institutions unlawful.
Civil society groups have described Tinubu’s intervention as a show of federal overreach, with some accusing him of enabling political godfatherism and undermining democracy in the oil-rich state.
While addressing a thanksgiving service earlier in the week, Ibas insisted that the emergency rule was essential to restore order and stability.
“The journey was not easy, but together we achieved peace,” he stated.
However, opposition voices, particularly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have called on Governor Fubara to investigate the use of state resources during the interim administration.
They also urged him to stay loyal to the party, amid speculation of pressure to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, described Fubara’s expected return as that of a “conquered man,” lamenting that federal forces had “bloodied the nose” of democracy in Rivers.
As the state returns to constitutional rule, many are watching to see if Governor Fubara will reassert authority or continue to govern under pressure from powerful political forces.
Also read: House Approves Rivers State 2025 Budget amid Emergency Rule
The coming days will be critical in determining whether Rivers can truly turn a corner or if the wounds of emergency rule will fester.
