President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially ended the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, paving the way for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume office today, September 18, 2025.
The President, who suspended democratic institutions in March following violent clashes, legislative splits, and attacks on oil pipelines, declared the emergency “no longer necessary” after what he described as “a new spirit of understanding” among stakeholders.
In his nationwide statement, Tinubu said:
“The emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. All elected officials, including Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will resume duties immediately.”
⚖️ Background to the Crisis
Rivers plunged into turmoil in 2023 after a fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT.
The battle for control of political structures split the Rivers State House of Assembly, led to impeachment attempts, and sparked violent protests. The situation worsened in February 2025 when the Supreme Court declared the Amaewhule-led Assembly as legitimate, further isolating Fubara.
Explosions on oil pipelines in March, allegedly linked to militants loyal to Fubara, forced Tinubu to suspend governance and appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as Sole Administrator.
🏆 Winners of the Emergency Rule
- President Tinubu: Secured Rivers’ vital oil assets, restored order, and expanded APC influence, winning 20 of 23 LGAs in the rescheduled August elections.
- Nyesom Wike: Reclaimed political control in Rivers after reconciliation with Tinubu, repositioning his loyalists in government structures.
- Siminalayi Fubara: Though suspended, the emergency rule saved him from impeachment and preserved his mandate.
- APC: Emerged as Rivers’ new power bloc, gaining grassroots dominance ahead of 2027 elections.
- Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas: Managed the state during its most turbulent period, boosting his national profile.
❌ Losers of the Emergency Rule
- Rotimi Amaechi: The former governor and ADC chieftain lost a chance to revive his fading political influence.
- Fubara’s Loyalists: Many were sidelined during the emergency, losing opportunities in the LG polls.
- Oko-Jumbo Faction: With Amaewhule’s Assembly reinstated, their political relevance has diminished.
- PDP Elders: Figures like Uche Secondus and Celestine Omehia lost further ground in the Rivers political chessboard.
⚖️ Legal Challenge Ahead
Despite the expiration, senior lawyers insist the Supreme Court must rule on the legality of Tinubu’s emergency powers. Legal experts argue the decision will set a binding precedent for presidential authority under Section 305 of the Constitution.
🚨 What Next for Fubara?
While supporters prepare to welcome him back, analysts warn Fubara may now rule under Wike’s shadow. Critics argue his political independence has been clipped, while others see this as a fresh chance for stability and governance in the oil-rich state.
