Emergency Rule Ends in Rivers State as Tinubu Reinstates Fubara

President Bola Tinubu has officially ended the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, allowing Governor Siminalayi Fubara to return to office today, September 18, 2025.

The emergency rule was first declared on March 18, 2025, after a fierce political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the FCT. During the period, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas acted as Sole Administrator.

Tinubu explained that new intelligence suggested stakeholders in Rivers were ready to embrace peace, making continued emergency unnecessary. He directed all elected officials, including Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and Speaker Martins Amaewhule, to resume duties immediately.

The crisis traces back to 2023 when Fubara, once considered Wike’s protégé, clashed with him over political control. This led to:

A split in the state House of Assembly.

Failed impeachment moves against Fubara.

Violent protests and the burning of the Assembly complex.

A controversial peace pact in December 2023, seen by many as unconstitutional.

Tensions deepened until the Supreme Court’s February 28, 2025 ruling, which recognised Amaewhule’s faction of the Assembly as legitimate.

With today’s reinstatement, Fubara and other officials are expected to resume democratic governance amid lingering distrust between rival camps.