Tension as Fubara Returns to Rivers After Six-Month Emergency Rule

Rivers State is preparing for the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on September 18 after six months of emergency rule, during which Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd) served as sole administrator. Ibas defended his tenure, insisting that he fulfilled President Bola Tinubu’s mandate and stabilised the oil-rich state.

Opposition parties, however, have demanded a probe into Ibas’ six-month stay at Government House, Port Harcourt, especially his management of state resources. The Peoples Democratic Party described the administration as unconstitutional and a violation of democratic norms. The New Nigeria Peoples Party dismissed it as an exercise in futility, while the Labour Party alleged the emergency rule was designed to protect the interests of President Tinubu and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike.

In contrast, the All Progressives Congress commended Ibas for maintaining peace and ensuring democratic processes, particularly the conduct of local government elections held on August 30 where the APC won 20 seats while the PDP secured three.

The crisis that triggered the emergency rule stemmed from a long-running power tussle between former governor Wike and his successor Fubara, which paralysed governance for nearly two years. On March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency and appointed Ibas as sole administrator. Both chambers of the National Assembly endorsed the declaration two days later, despite widespread criticism. Eleven PDP governors challenged the move at the Supreme Court in case SC/CV/329/2025, but no public update has emerged.

As Fubara prepares to resume office, Rivers has witnessed a gradual easing of political tension following a reconciliation between Wike and Fubara.

At an interdenominational thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Ibas urged stakeholders to put the state’s prosperity above partisan interests. He stressed that reconciliation must be nurtured, warning that Rivers cannot afford another season of division and acrimony. He appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used for violence and encouraged leaders, elders and faith groups to sustain peace.

However, political heavyweights including Wike and Fubara were absent at the thanksgiving. Many traditional rulers also stayed away, though senior government officials, council chairmen and security chiefs attended.

Reactions remain sharply divided. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor insisted that Ibas’ tenure was illegal and must be probed. NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson described the emergency rule as an aberration of the constitution. Labour Party’s Tony Akeni alleged Ibas served as a placeholder for Tinubu and Wike, claiming their designs were political and economic dominance of Rivers ahead of 2027.

Ijaw Youth Council President Jonathan Lokpobiri accused Ibas of presiding over widespread corruption and eroding investor confidence. The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People also claimed the emergency rule crippled economic activities and dissolved democratic institutions. Former Senator Lee Maeba said Rivers lost billions in allocations and internally generated revenue during the period, calling the situation “the lowest point of any presidency.”

Defending Ibas, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim said the administrator ensured peaceful coexistence and safeguarded the people’s right to vote, stressing that only the presidency can fully assess his performance. He urged Fubara to embrace democratic principles when reinstated.

With days to go before Tinubu formally reinstates Governor Fubara, calls for accountability and reconciliation dominate the political landscape in Rivers State.