In a highly anticipated statewide broadcast on Friday, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, officially announced the end of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, declaring the restoration of full democratic governance and calling on all political actors to work together for peace and progress.

 

The emergency rule was declared on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in response to the intense political crisis that rocked the state earlier this year. The unprecedented federal intervention suspended certain democratic structures in the state and placed governance under tight federal oversight.

In his televised address, Governor Fubara acknowledged the difficulties and sacrifices endured during the emergency period but emphasized that his decision to cooperate with the declaration was based on a commitment to the greater good of Rivers State.

 

“As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly,” he said.

“No sacrifice is too great to secure peace, stability, and progress for Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara confirmed that President Tinubu played a pivotal role in brokering peace among the warring political factions, including between Fubara himself and his estranged political mentor, former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, CON.

 

“Our leader, His Excellency Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I… have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear Rivers State.”

 

The Governor noted that while the last six months have been challenging, the experience yielded “hard lessons” and a renewed commitment to unity among key stakeholders.

With emergency rule lifted, Governor Fubara urged all arms of government, political leaders, and stakeholders to put aside personal grievances and commit to advancing the welfare of the people.

 

“The responsibility now rests squarely on us… to put aside our differences, work for the common good, and advance the interests of our people above all else,” he stated.

“We have a duty to ensure that the peace we have all embraced remains permanent in our dear Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” throughout the crisis.

 

“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Rivers State, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President… for graciously restoring full democratic governance to our State.”

With the lifting of emergency rule, attention now turns to the rebuilding of trust, governance capacity, and delivery of democratic dividends to the people of Rivers State. Analysts note that the successful resolution of the crisis marks a major turning point in the state’s political landscape, but also raises expectations for inclusive and transparent governance moving forward.

 

The coming weeks will likely test the sincerity of the peace pact, but for now, Rivers State breathes a sigh of relief — and its people look forward to a future beyond political strife.