Following the end of emergency rule and the reinstatement of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, tensions flared on Thursday as thousands of supporters who gathered at the Government House in Port Harcourt were left disappointed when the governor failed to make a public appearance.
Fubara had been expected to resume his duties as governor on Thursday after the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 came to an end.
The President, on Wednesday, formally announced the termination of the emergency rule, thereby ending the tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as Rivers State’s sole administrator for six months.
Rivers State has witnessed one of Nigeria’s most intense political crises, pitting Fubara against his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The once-close allies fell out over control of state structures and resources, a dispute that split the House of Assembly, sparked impeachment threats, triggered protests, and culminated in the burning of the Assembly complex.
President Tinubu initially attempted to broker peace through a negotiated settlement, but when tensions persisted, emergency rule was declared.
As the crisis deepened, local residents and ex-agitators threatened to attack oil installations if Fubara were impeached, as was being pursued by the pro-Wike Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly through a formal notice to the governor.
Just a day before Tinubu declared emergency rule, an explosion ripped through a section of the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, Gokana Local Government Area. Another blast, the next day, destroyed a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA.
In his statement ending the emergency rule, President Tinubu said:
“The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume their duties from September 18, 2025…
“It gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”
Excited by the announcement, thousands of Fubara’s supporters thronged the Government House gates along Azikiwe Street, Port Harcourt, as early as 6 a.m., arriving from across the state. But by 2 p.m., with no sign of the governor, many left disappointed, wearing long faces.
Former local government chairmen, recently sacked after the Supreme Court nullified elections held under Fubara’s administration, were seen making frantic calls trying to confirm his whereabouts.
Among the governor’s allies present were former Commissioner for Housing Evans Bipi, former Commissioner for Power Solomon Eke, former Commissioner for Youths Chisom Gbala, and former Physical Planning Commissioner Prince Emejuru, each leading groups of supporters. Also in attendance were sacked LGA chairmen Chijoke Ihunwo, Ezebunwo Ichemati, Peter Amakiri, and Promise Reginald, as well as pro-Fubara lawmakers, including former factional Speaker Victor Oko-Jumbo and Sokari Goodboy.
Prince Emejuru expressed optimism, saying:
“Rivers people are happy that Governor Fubara has been reinstated. Just look at the streets and you will see who the true leader of Rivers State is. Sim represents the people, and the people represent Sim Fubara.”
Similarly, Eke described the celebrations as a sign of genuine public support:
“Everybody is happy with what is happening. You can see that it is a spontaneous action; it is not organised. People just came out because of the announcement.”
Notably, no supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, including the newly elected local government chairmen were seen at the Government House.
Earlier in the day, jubilation had broken out along Azikiwe Road as women’s groups, dressed in red, pink, and other uniforms with Fubara’s portrait, marched to the Government House entrance in celebration.
Dispute Over Appointments
Multiple sources revealed that Fubara’s absence was partly due to ongoing negotiations over key appointments in the state. Wike is reportedly insisting that the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and most of the commissioners in Fubara’s cabinet come from his camp.
One source in Abuja said: “We can’t say for now if any agreement has been reached.”
However, Wike, speaking on Channels TV’s Politics denied meddling in Fubara’s administration:
“I cannot go and impose anything on the governor. Why would I impose anything on the governor? Assuming I go to the governor and say, ‘I want this,’ will the state collapse? I will not. I have no candidate, and I will not.”
He dismissed concerns over Fubara’s absence, saying:
“I am not his protocol officer. There is no law that says he must resume work today (Thursday). Being sworn in today does not mean I must go to the office tomorrow. Governance does not mean one must be in the office to govern.”
Assembly Issues Directives
At its first plenary since the lifting of emergency rule, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, called on Fubara to immediately forward the list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation.
The Assembly also urged the governor to submit the Rivers State Appropriation Bill and pledged to review spending during the emergency rule period.
Speaker Amaewhule commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions and pledged that the House would work with Fubara in line with the peace agreement and constitutional provisions.
Ibas Hands Over
On Wednesday night, Vice Admiral Ibas officially handed over to Fubara and, in a farewell broadcast, declared that his mandate had been fulfilled:
“Law and order have been restored; local government elections have been conducted; chairmen elected by the people now serve in their offices. Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted, and the state budget passed by the National Assembly has provided a legitimate fiscal framework for governance and development.”
Ibas reflected on lessons learned, warning that unchecked power and rivalry without dialogue can undermine democracy. He called on Rivers people to support Fubara and uphold peace:
“May this state never again be brought to the brink of collapse. May we always choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis. The Garden City must never lose its fragrance.”
Before leaving office, Ibas swore in Dr. Iringe Brown as the substantive Head of the State Civil Service — a move rights activist Charles Jaja criticised as favouritism over merit and urged Fubara to reverse.
Call for Unity
Meanwhile, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former Governor Rufus Ada-George, called for forgiveness and reconciliation among political stakeholders.
In a statement titled “A Call for Reflection, Forgiveness, Rededication, and Unity,” the elders urged all parties to work together for peace, development, and good governance.
“Division weakens us; unity strengthens us… Let this season be remembered as the time Rivers people chose reflection over reaction, forgiveness over conflict, dedication over neglect, and unity over division.”
They thanked President Tinubu for restoring democracy and encouraged Rivers citizens to remain calm, peaceful, and hopeful as the state enters a new phase.
