In a landmark decision that signals the end of a turbulent six-month period, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State, effectively restoring full democratic governance to the oil-rich region and its bustling capital, Port Harcourt. Declared on March 18, 2025, amid escalating political tensions, insecurity, and a constitutional standoff, the emergency rule suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly. Today, as the mandate expires, the focus shifts to healing, unity, and progress—offering hope to a state long synonymous with both opportunity and unrest. The Crisis That Prompted Intervention Rivers State, home to Nigeria’s vital oil and gas heartland, had been spiraling into chaos. A bitter feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-rival, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, escalated into a full-blown political crisis. The State House of Assembly became a battleground, with defections, impeachments, and judicial interventions paralyzing governance. Insecurity surged, markets shuttered amid fears of violence, and public services ground to a halt. A devastating explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Ogoniland, suspected by some to be politically motivated, underscored the risks of further instability. President Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, declared the emergency to avert “anarchy” and restore order. He suspended the elected officials for six months and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Sole Administrator, tasking him with stabilizing the state. The move drew sharp criticism—opposition figures like former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar decried it as “political manipulation,” while the Nigerian Bar Association argued it overstepped constitutional bounds by effectively removing elected leaders. Yet, the National Assembly approved the declaration, paving the way for interim governance. Achievements Under Emergency Rule: From Chaos to Calm Under Ibas’s stewardship, Rivers State saw tangible progress. The administrator prioritized security, leading to improved inter-agency cooperation and a sharp drop in politically motivated violence. Markets in Port Harcourt reopened without fear, civil servants received salaries on time, and public projects resumed—breaking the “paralysis” that had gripped the state. A key milestone was the conduct of peaceful local government elections by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), culminating in the swearing-in of new officials across the 23 local councils. Ibas hailed these polls as “credible” and declared Tinubu’s mandate “sufficiently achieved,” emphasizing restored peace and democratic institutions.The Rivers Peace Congress echoed this sentiment, crediting Tinubu’s intervention with saving the state from descent into disorder. “Rivers people can now go to sleep with both eyes closed,” the group stated, highlighting normalized daily life in Port Harcourt and beyond. Even as the rule ended, Ibas described it as a “necessity” born of “insecurity, political impasse, and breakdown of trust,” underscoring how it rebuilt confidence in governance. Lifting the Emergency: A Call for Unity and Reflection. With the six months concluding today, President Tinubu’s administration has allowed the suspensions to lapse, reinstating Governor Fubara and the assembly members. The Rivers Elders Council, led by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, issued a poignant appeal for collaboration between Fubara and the lawmakers, urging them to “work together without distractions” for the state’s peace and progress. They commended the patience of Rivers residents and praised Tinubu’s “proactive action” in averting disaster, while lauding FCT Minister Wike’s role in the cabinet as a “cherished leader.”In a public lecture at Government House, Port Harcourt, titled “Good Governance and Democratic Dividends,” Ibas reflected on the transition, calling it a “covenant renewal” with the people. Guest lecturer Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kanmike, SAN, urged sober reflection, positioning the period as a cautionary tale for other states on the perils of instability. Implications for Port Harcourt and Beyond Port Harcourt, the epicenter of Rivers’ economic and political life, stands to benefit immensely. As Africa’s “Garden City,” it has weathered oil spills, militancy, and now political strife—but this lift offers a fresh start. Enhanced security could boost investment in the Port Harcourt Refinery (recently restarted under Tinubu’s watch) and the broader Niger Delta economy. For residents, it means resumed normalcy: vibrant markets, reliable services, and a government focused on development rather than division.Yet challenges linger. The PDP has labeled the emergency an attempt at “state capture,” and ethnic tensions could resurface if unity falters. Civil society groups stress the need for inclusive dialogue to prevent relapse. Final Thoughts: Stability as the Foundation for Prosperity President Tinubu’s decision to lift the state of emergency is more than procedural—it’s a testament to decisive leadership that prioritized peace over partisanship. As Rivers State transitions back to elected rule, the onus is on leaders like Fubara to honor the progress made under extraordinary circumstances. For Port Harcourt, this marks not just the end of a dark chapter, but the dawn of one where oil wealth translates to widespread prosperity. What lessons can other Nigerian states draw from Rivers’ experience? Share your views in the comments—let’s discuss how to keep the momentum going.
