President Bola Tinubu has lifted the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, paving the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly to resume their duties today, September 18, 2025.
Tinubu announced the decision in a statement from the Presidency on Wednesday, declaring that “the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today.”
According to the President, intelligence reports indicated a “new spirit of understanding” among political stakeholders, making it possible to restore democratic governance.
Background to the Emergency
The state of emergency was declared on March 18, 2025, after months of political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.
The feud, which began over control of political structures and state resources, saw the Rivers State House of Assembly split into rival factions, impeachment threats against Fubara, and violent incidents — including the burning of the Assembly complex.
The Supreme Court later recognised the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly as the state’s legitimate legislature, invalidated the October 2024 local government election conducted by Fubara, and ordered the governor to re-present the 2024 budget.
The conflict escalated into street protests, pipeline vandalism, and threats to shut down oil installations. Concerned about the effect on Nigeria’s oil output and economy, Tinubu suspended all democratic institutions and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to stabilise the state.
Political Winners and Losers
Observers say Tinubu emerged the biggest winner, having restored order in Rivers and strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s political foothold. The APC won 20 of 23 council seats in the rescheduled August 30, 2025, local government polls, giving the party momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike is also seen as a winner, regaining political leverage and successfully positioning his loyalists in key offices.
Fubara, despite being suspended, avoided impeachment and is returning to office with renewed legitimacy. The Amaewhule-led Assembly and APC chairmen in Rivers are also beneficiaries of the new political order.
Losers include former governor and ADC chieftain Rotimi Amaechi, who had hoped the crisis would weaken Wike’s grip on the state, as well as Fubara’s staunch loyalists who lost ground during the emergency.
Mixed Reactions in Rivers
While some stakeholders welcomed Fubara’s return, others expressed concern that the governor’s influence has been weakened.
Elder statesman Sunny Chukumele described the reinstatement as a “journey back to Egypt,” arguing that Wike now effectively controls the state.
Others, like former lawmaker Ogbonna Nwuke, expressed hope that governance projects stalled during the crisis will resume quickly and that the executive and legislature will now work together.
Civil society leaders, including Dr. Omenazu Jackson of the International for Social Justice Human Rights, urged all political players to avoid fresh conflict and respect the governor’s office.
Legal Challenges Remain
Senior lawyers, including Olalekan Ojo (SAN) and PDP National Legal Adviser Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), have insisted that the Supreme Court must still rule on the constitutionality of Tinubu’s emergency declaration despite its expiration, arguing that it raises crucial questions about presidential powers and the rights of suspended officials.
Security Operatives Protest
Earlier on Wednesday, there was mild tension at the Government House as security personnel protested six months of unpaid allowances under the sole administrator. The situation was later brought under control before Ibas’ convoy departed for Abuja.
Governor Fubara is expected to return to Port Harcourt today to formally resume office, with his supporters planning a welcome rally amid concerns over whether the truce with Wike will hold.
