Rivers State has returned to full democratic governance after six months of emergency administration. On September 17, 2025, President Bola Tinubu announced the end of the state of emergency, reinstating Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), formally handed over power to Fubara on September 18, 2025, marking the official return of elected officials. The transition brought closure to a political crisis that began in late 2023, when tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, destabilized governance in the state.
The conflict reached a peak when the House of Assembly split, with four members supporting Fubara and 27 others backing Amaewhule. This division paralyzed lawmaking and prevented the presentation of the 2024 budget.
In response, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. Fubara, Odu, and the assembly were suspended, a decision ratified by the National Assembly despite objections from 11 PDP governors, who challenged its legality at the Supreme Court (case SC/CV/329/2025).
During the emergency rule, Ibas oversaw governance, organized local government elections on August 30—where the APC won 20 seats and the PDP three—and ensured the release of withheld federal allocations.
In his farewell speech at an interdenominational service in Port Harcourt on September 15, Ibas said, “Rivers has been steered from a crossroads of division and instability towards reconciliation. As I hand back the reins of leadership to Sim Fubara, I do so with confidence and urge Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly.”
Fubara’s reinstatement has divided opinion.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the process as unconstitutional, posting on X: “Lifting the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension was unconstitutional when it happened six months ago and remains illegal today. President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and lawmakers.”
Rights activist Deji Adeyanju accused Tinubu and Wike of manipulating the emergency to consolidate power, writing: “I do not envy the governor; he has shown crass desperation to hold on to power.”
On the other hand, supporters hailed Fubara’s return as a victory for democracy. Protests in Port Harcourt on April 22 saw demonstrators carrying placards reading “Governor Fubara is the pride of Rivers People.”
The Rivers Grassroot Movement praised Fubara’s restraint, calling his reinstatement “crucial for peace and development.” Social media also reflected strong support, with users applauding his decisions during the crisis.
Ordinary citizens voiced similar sentiments. Elder Ndubisi Edem told Fairview Africa: “Reinstating the governor is what the people want because he was elected. It’s long overdue.” Another resident in Abuja said: “The president had no ground to suspend him in the first place. I’m just happy he’s back and I want him to stand his ground.”
The APC, buoyed by its strong showing in the August elections, signaled openness to welcoming Fubara. Party spokesperson Darlington Nwauju said on Channels TV: “If I were the governor, I would announce my defection to the APC on my return. We would gladly receive him.”
Still, doubts persist about Fubara’s ability to consolidate power. Some APC-aligned voices warned that Wike and Amaewhule may continue to dictate affairs. Elder statesman Chief Asukewe Ikoawaju suggested that “it would be better for Fubara to resign than face humiliation.”
Concerns also grew on September 18, when reports surfaced that Fubara was absent as the House of Assembly resumed, raising questions about his control of state affairs.
Beyond politics, Rivers—Nigeria’s second-largest oil producer, contributing about 20% of national output—has suffered economically. Major infrastructure projects stalled, and the 2024 budget, passed by only four lawmakers, was declared illegitimate by the Federal High Court, freezing federal allocations.
The National Democratic and Change Coalition welcomed the court ruling as “a victory for democracy,” praising the judiciary for holding the state accountable.
As Fubara resumes office, Rivers faces deep divisions within the PDP and increasing pressure from the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts say stability and reconciliation will be critical for the state’s governance and economic recovery.
The reinstatement closes a turbulent chapter but also highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s federal system, where local disputes often intertwine with federal influence.
