Fubara to Resume as Rivers Governor as Tinubu Ends Six-Month Emergency Rule

Governor Siminalayi Fubara is set to resume duties today as Rivers State Governor following the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu.

The President on Wednesday lifted the emergency rule declared on March 18, 2025, which suspended democratic institutions and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as sole administrator of the oil-rich state.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, Tinubu announced that Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, would return to their offices effective midnight September 18.

Tinubu said the emergency was no longer necessary as “a new spirit of understanding and readiness for democratic governance” had emerged among stakeholders. He added that continuing the rule beyond six months would serve no purpose.

The intervention had followed months of political turmoil in Rivers, rooted in a bitter feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Initially allies, both men fell out over control of political structures, state resources, and loyalty ahead of the 2027 elections.

By late 2023, the crisis escalated when the Rivers Assembly split, with the majority siding with Wike while a minority backed Fubara. An impeachment move triggered violent protests, legal battles, and the burning of the Assembly building. Tinubu later brokered a peace deal in December 2023 but tensions persisted, with parallel legislative sessions and disputed budgets destabilising governance.

The Supreme Court’s ruling on February 28, 2025, deepened the conflict by recognising the Amaewhule-led Assembly as the legitimate legislature, invalidating a rival faction loyal to Fubara. The court also nullified the governor’s 2024 budget and sacked local government chairmen elected under his watch.

Amid rising threats of impeachment and vandalism of oil pipelines, Tinubu declared emergency rule on March 18, citing the risk of economic sabotage and breakdown of law and order. He suspended elected officials and empowered Ibas as administrator to stabilise the state.

Although criticised by opposition parties and civil society groups, Tinubu insisted his action was constitutional. “It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation” he said.

During the emergency period, the ruling All Progressives Congress consolidated power in Rivers, winning 20 out of 23 local government areas in an August 2025 poll supervised by the sole administrator. The development significantly boosted APC’s influence in a state previously dominated by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

The truce also restored political relevance to Wike, who repositioned his loyalists in local government structures and reinforced his grip on Rivers politics. Analysts believe his reconciliation with Fubara may shape the balance of power ahead of 2027.

Fubara, despite being suspended, acknowledged that Tinubu’s intervention saved his job from imminent impeachment. With his return, however, stakeholders warn his influence may be limited as Wike retains significant leverage.

As calm returned to Port Harcourt on Wednesday, anticipation grew for Fubara’s official resumption. Supporters under the Rivers Women Unite for Sim movement prepared to welcome him, while local leaders urged the governor and lawmakers to prioritise peace, collaboration and development.

Elder statesman Sunny Chukumele and other stakeholders, however, expressed scepticism, warning that Rivers has been “captured politically” and that the governor may govern under constraints.

Legal experts have also stressed that the Supreme Court must still rule on the constitutionality of Tinubu’s emergency declaration, even though the measure has expired, to set a binding precedent for future governance crises.