Six months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, normal democratic governance has finally returned. The emergency rule, which began on March 18 following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, was lifted yesterday.
With the termination of the emergency proclamation, Governor Fubara and the Assembly are resuming their elected roles. In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of peace, cooperation, and stability, urging both arms of government to work together in the interest of Rivers people.
Why Emergency Rule Was Declared
The emergency was imposed after weeks of political brinkmanship that paralyzed governance in the state. Fubara and the House of Assembly had been locked in a bitter standoff that stalled budget passage and prompted the Supreme Court to declare that Rivers State was effectively “without government.”
President Tinubu explained that the situation worsened as elements threatened to sabotage vital oil installations, creating fears of widespread violence. To restore order, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as sole administrator, with the approval of the National Assembly.
During his six-month stewardship, Ibas reorganized the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), conducted elections into the 23 local councils, uncovered and stopped the illegal payment of N5 billion to ghost workers, and ensured relative peace across the state.
Vice Admiral Ibas formally handed over to the Head of Service before departing the Government House. However, the House of Assembly complex on Moscow Road remains under reconstruction, having been demolished during the crisis. Lawmakers are expected to sit temporarily at the legislative quarters until completion of the project.
President Tinubu said the resolution among stakeholders and the new commitment to peace made it unnecessary to extend emergency rule beyond six months. He warned political leaders against “Machiavellian manipulations” and reminded them that Nigerians expect good governance, not conflict.
He stressed: “The power to declare a state of emergency is a constitutional tool to address extraordinary crises. What matters is that Rivers State is back on the path of peace and progress.”
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, hailed President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as an act that restored confidence in national leadership. Through a statement issued by his aide, Wike urged Rivers leaders to put aside divisions and focus on peace, progress, and development.
He also warned political opportunists and fifth columnists against destabilizing the state, insisting that only positive news should emerge from Rivers going forward.
Grand Reception for Fubara
Ahead of Governor Fubara’s official return, stakeholders across Rivers State mobilized supporters for a grand reception. Former loyalists, local government chairmen, councillors, and residents gathered at the Government House gate, while some planned to receive him at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Civil servants also expressed excitement, preparing to turn out en masse to welcome the governor. Many residents said they looked forward to hearing Fubara’s broadcast as he resumed his duties.
The six-month interlude under emergency rule may have tested the resilience of Rivers people, but with democracy now restored, hopes are high that the executive and legislature will embrace cooperation in the state’s best interest.
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