After six months under extraordinary federal oversight, Rivers State in Nigeria has returned to democratic rule, following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the state of emergency that had gripped the oil-rich region since March. The move, effective from midnight on September 17, 2025, has been met with jubilation in Port Harcourt and cautious optimism among political leaders, elders, and ordinary citizens alike. But what exactly led to this dramatic chapter in Rivers State’s history, and what does the future hold?
The roots of the crisis trace back to March 18, 2025, when President Tinubu imposed emergency rule in Rivers State. According to THISDAY, the decision came after a severe constitutional crisis paralyzed governance. The State House of Assembly was bitterly divided: while four members supported Governor Siminalayi Fubara, 27 stood in opposition, aligning with the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule. This deadlock left the governor unable to present an appropriation bill or access funds, grinding the state’s administration to a halt. To make matters worse, critical economic assets, including vital oil pipelines, were being vandalized, and militant attacks threatened the region’s stability.
President Tinubu defended his actions in a public statement, saying, “It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency.” He added, “The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised.” (THISDAY)
During the emergency, Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire House of Assembly were suspended. In their place, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas was appointed sole administrator. According to PUNCH Online, Ibas led the state through a tense and uncertain period, marked by legal challenges—over 40 cases were filed in various courts to contest the federal intervention. Yet, the National Assembly backed the emergency declaration, and traditional rulers lent their support, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.
The Nigerian constitution allows for emergency rule in rare circumstances to maintain law and order. The last such intervention was under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013, but notably, state governors were not suspended then. This time, however, the stakes were higher, with the Supreme Court even ruling that, due to the disputes between the executive and legislative arms, there was effectively “no government in Rivers State.” (AP)
As the six-month period drew to a close, intelligence reports pointed to a new spirit of understanding among Rivers’ political actors. President Tinubu, in his statement announcing the end of emergency rule, remarked, “From the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance.” He directed Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Odu, and members of the House of Assembly to resume their duties from September 18, 2025. (THISDAY)
The response to the lifting of emergency rule was swift and emotional. Streets in Port Harcourt erupted in celebration as residents welcomed the return to democratic governance, even as some expressed uncertainty about the future. The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), a key regional body, praised President Tinubu for “rectifying what they described as an anomaly.” In a statement, PANDEF said, “We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God.” The group called on political leaders and citizens to “put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.” (PUNCH Online)
Other voices echoed the call for peace and progress. The Rivers State Elders’ Council urged all stakeholders to “avoid the reoccurrence of the unfortunate circumstances we found ourselves in and significantly, how to sustain peace, unity and development in our beloved Rivers State.” Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, the council’s chairman, advised, “We also quickly wish to admonish the few individuals and groups who are still fanning the embers of discord to come to terms with the fact that the crisis is over and stop making inflammatory statements, inciting rhetoric in the media and whipping up sentiments for their selfish interests.” (THISDAY)
Yet, not everyone is convinced that Governor Fubara’s return will be smooth. Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), told Channels Television, “We cannot be in a situation where we have an elected governor of a State, like Rivers State, which is a very critical state not just for the people of Rivers, but Nigeria as a whole, and what you then see is that you have an elected Governor that has zero powers. I don’t think it portends well at all.” Cole warned that Fubara might find himself unable to make decisions without interference and urged him to reach an agreement with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to clarify the limits of his authority.
For his part, Wike has praised President Tinubu’s “total commitment to peace and sustenance of democracy” and called on all parties to work harmoniously for the state’s collective interest. Wike’s statement, released by his Senior Special Assistant, emphasized the need for unity and warned troublemakers to stay away from the state.
The months of emergency rule have left their mark. Professor Godknows Igali, President of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum, described the period as “the darkest part of Rivers state political history,” urging sober reflection rather than celebration. Meanwhile, Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, encouraged both indigenes and residents to celebrate Fubara’s return, hoping it would mark a turning point for the state’s development and recovery.
President Tinubu, in his closing remarks, reminded all Nigerian governors and legislatures: “It is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.” (THISDAY)
As Rivers State steps out from under the shadow of emergency rule, the coming months will test whether old wounds can heal and whether elected officials can truly work together. For now, the people of Rivers State are breathing a sigh of relief, hopeful—if wary—that democracy has returned for good.
