President Bola Tinubu has ended the six–month state of emergency in Rivers State.
In a nationwide broadcast yesterday, the President declared that Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly will return to their offices today, September 18th, 2025.
The emergency was declared on March 18th following a political crisis that crippled governance in the state. Tinubu said his action then was necessary to halt what he described as “a drift towards anarchy.”
Now, with peace restored, he says there is no reason to extend the emergency beyond six months.
But reactions have been mixed. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, welcomed Fubara’s return but warned him not to abandon the party. Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is already wooing him with an offer of party leadership in the state.
There was also drama at the Government House in Port Harcourt. Aides of outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas, protested over unpaid allowances. His media adviser downplayed the incident, insisting the atmosphere remained calm.
At press time, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu had returned to Port Harcourt, while residents awaited Governor Fubara’s official resumption.
Former Rivers Governor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, praised President Tinubu for what he called “saving democracy in Rivers State.” On the other hand, PANDEF described the six months as the darkest period in the state’s history, calling it a moment for sober reflection.
As Fubara prepares to resume duty, both the PDP and APC are making strong moves to secure his loyalty, leaving many to wonder where his political future lies.
