Uncertainty in Rivers as Fubara Fails to Resume After Emergency Rule Ends

The political atmosphere in Rivers State remained tense on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to make an expected return to office following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.

Thousands of supporters, who had gathered at the Government House in Port Harcourt to welcome him, were left disappointed after waiting in vain for the governor’s arrival.

President Tinubu had, on Wednesday, announced the cessation of emergency rule, which was imposed on March 18, 2025, at the height of the state’s fierce political crisis. The move effectively ended the tenure of former naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as the sole administrator of the state during the period.

The crisis in Rivers was triggered by a bitter power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Their fallout over control of state structures and resources fractured the House of Assembly, leading to impeachment threats, violent protests, and the burning of the Assembly complex.

Tensions deepened after pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, issued an impeachment notice to Fubara. The threat provoked warnings from local groups and ex-agitators, who vowed to attack oil facilities if the governor was removed. Around the same period, pipeline explosions in Bodo (Gokana LGA) and Omwawriwa (Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA) heightened fears of widespread unrest.

While declaring the end of the emergency rule, Tinubu assured that democratic institutions in the state—including the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and House of Assembly—would resume normal operations from September 18.

However, Fubara’s absence at Government House on Thursday has fueled uncertainty about his next steps and the stability of Rivers’ fragile political environment.