Rivers State Emergency Rule Ends: Governor Fubara Calls for Unity and Accelerated Progress

Rivers State, Nigeria — Today marks a pivotal moment for Rivers State as Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, addresses the people following the official end of the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025. The declaration came amid a severe political impasse between the Governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which had frozen governance and threatened stability across the state.

Governor Fubara acknowledged the enormity of the challenges faced during the emergency period but underscored his commitment to cooperating with federal authorities for the greater good of Rivers State. He recalled that, despite pressures, he refrained from challenging the constitutional basis of the emergency, driven by his belief that peace, stability, and public welfare must prevail above all else.

The emergency declaration, enforced by President Tinubu under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, saw the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly, with Admiral Ib-Etewe I (Rtd) appointed Sole Administrator to manage state affairs during this extraordinary period.

President Tinubu explained that this unprecedented measure was necessary due to the total breakdown of governance and ongoing conflict, including the paralysis of the State House of Assembly, inability to pass an appropriation bill, and heightened insecurity affecting key economic assets in Rivers State.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite initial resistance and several legal challenges to the emergency declaration, a breakthrough was achieved after extensive intervention and dialogue brokered by President Tinubu. Both Governor Fubara and the State Assembly members, alongside influential stakeholders including His Excellency Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor, have agreed to put their differences aside in favor of peace, reconciliation, and the advancement of Rivers State.

Governor Fubara thanked President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition” and decisive leadership throughout the crisis, reaffirming his loyalty and gratitude. He also expressed appreciation to the National Assembly, traditional rulers, civil society groups, women’s and youth organizations, and all citizens who contributed to the peace process.

Looking ahead, the Governor called on all Rivers people—regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation—to unite and work collectively for the common good. He urged stakeholders to focus on rebuilding trust, fostering inclusiveness, and accelerating socio-economic development by completing ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and education that were impacted during the emergency period.

“We must draw strength from our diversity and unity,” Governor Fubara affirmed, pledging to work in harmony with the Rivers State House of Assembly to restore normal governance and propel the state towards greater prosperity.

The President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and National Assembly members also played critical roles in resolving the constitutional impasse. Their support, along with that of traditional institutions and citizens, was vital to restoring democratic governance and stability in one of Nigeria’s most vital states.

Governor Fubara thanked the resilient people of Rivers State for their patience, courage, and peaceful conduct, emphasizing that the future of Rivers State depends on collective efforts to maintain peace and harness opportunities for development.

“Let today be the dawn of a new beginning for Rivers State,” he concluded, invoking God’s blessings on the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.