President Bola Tinubu has ended six months of emergency rule in Rivers State. He reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other elected officials. The emergency was imposed on March 18, 2025. It followed a political crisis that paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state .
The emergency declaration suspended democratic institutions. It came after a bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Wike now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their dispute caused a constitutional crisis. It halted budget approvals and stalled government operations .
Tinubu appointed a sole administrator to run the state during the emergency. Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas took charge. His main task was restoring order and protecting oil infrastructure. Rivers State produces much of Nigeria's crude exports. Pipeline vandalism had increased during the political unrest .
The President explained his decision to lift the emergency. He cited improved cooperation among political stakeholders. Tinubu said intelligence reports showed a new spirit of understanding. This made a return to democratic governance possible .
All elected officials will resume their duties on September 18. This includes Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the 31-member House of Assembly. The assembly is led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule .
The political crisis began as a power struggle between Fubara and Wike. It quickly escalated into institutional paralysis. The state legislature split into factions. One group supported the governor while another backed the minister. This division made governance impossible .
The situation worsened when militants began attacking oil pipelines. These attacks threatened Nigeria's economic stability. Oil exports provide most of the country's foreign exchange. The federal government expressed alarm over the vandalism. It said the attacks affected output and revenue .
The crisis reached its peak with the Supreme Court's intervention. The court recognized the Amaewhule-led assembly as legitimate. It ordered Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget. The court also invalidated local government elections conducted by the governor. These rulings intensified the standoff .
Tinubu defended his emergency declaration as necessary. He said it prevented a complete breakdown of public order. The President invoked Section 305 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution. This section allows emergency rule during threats to public safety .
The emergency faced legal challenges. Critics filed over 40 cases in various courts. They questioned the constitutionality of suspending elected officials. The President acknowledged these dissenting voices. He said they were part of democratic practice .
Rivers State elders played a key role in mediating the conflict. The Rivers State Elders Council appealed for peace. It urged all stakeholders to avoid actions that could reignite tension. The council commended both Wike and Fubara for reconciling .
Ferdinand Alabraba leads the Rivers State Elders Council. He described the emergency as necessary to avert disaster. Alabraba specifically praised Wike's role in the reconciliation process. He said the minister demonstrated a large heart by bringing parties together .
Another group, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, also welcomed the peace deal. It called for full restoration of democratic structures. The forum urged political leaders to prioritize the state's development .
Governor Fubara had earlier defended his reconciliation with Wike. He called the peace terms heavy and bitter but necessary. Fubara said no price was too big to pay for peace. He asked his supporters to accept the situation for the state's progress .
Wike also struck a conciliatory tone in recent comments. He described Fubara as his political son despite their differences. Wike said he was fighting against people trying to steal what they did not work for. He denied having a direct feud with the governor .
The emergency period included local government elections. They were held on August 30, 2025. Candidates from the All Progressives Congress won 20 of 23 local government areas. This gave the ruling party a strong foothold in Rivers. The state was previously dominated by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party .
The end of emergency rule brings hope for renewed development. Many projects were abandoned during the crisis. Governor Fubara had lamented this stagnation. He said the political conflict hindered progress in the state .
The resolution of the Rivers crisis has national importance. The state accounts for a large portion of Nigeria's oil production. Continued instability there threatens economic stability. It also risks damaging investor confidence in Nigeria's energy sector .
Security experts warn that military solutions alone cannot protect oil infrastructure. They say lasting peace requires addressing local grievances. These include demands for jobs, environmental cleanup, and fair revenue sharing. A comprehensive approach is needed for sustained pipeline security .
The Rivers crisis raised important constitutional questions. It tested the balance between state autonomy and federal authority. Legal experts expect continued debate about emergency powers. They call for clearer guidelines on when such measures are appropriate .
As normalcy returns, attention shifts to governing Rivers State. The governor and legislature must work together effectively. They face big challenges in delivering development to the people. Their cooperation is essential for rebuilding public trust .
The peaceful resolution of this crisis sets a positive example. It shows that political differences can be overcome through dialogue. It also demonstrates the importance of respecting democratic institutions .
President Tinubu has urged all Nigerian leaders to learn from the Rivers experience. He said only peaceful governance can deliver democracy's benefits. The President reminded governors and legislatures nationwide to prioritize harmony .
The people of Rivers State have endured six months of unelected rule. They now await the restoration of full democratic governance. The returning leaders have a responsibility to justify this renewed trust .