Rivers State is gradually returning to normalcy following the lifting of a six-month emergency rule, which had been in effect since March 18, 2025, due to an intense political crisis. Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially resumed his duties, marking a new chapter centered on peace, reconciliation, and accelerated development for the state.

The emergency rule, declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had temporarily suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. During this period, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ekwe Ibas (rtd) was appointed as Sole Administrator, an action that stirred widespread criticism. The political turmoil stemmed from a deep-seated rift between Governor Fubara and loyalists of the immediate past governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Upon his return to Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara was greeted by an overwhelming crowd of supporters at the airport and Government House, an experience he described as “deeply humbling.” Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he thanked the people of Rivers State for their unwavering support and resilience during the turbulent six-month period. In a statewide broadcast, the governor explained that although he had the constitutional right to challenge the emergency rule, he chose not to, believing that no sacrifice is too great in the pursuit of peace, stability, and progress.

A major turning point came through President Tinubu’s successful peace initiative, which brought together Governor Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly. Fubara announced that all parties had agreed to “bury the hatchet” and embrace reconciliation, declaring, “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State, though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.” He urged all stakeholders to set aside personal grievances and work toward the collective good.

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to fast-tracking governance and development, pledging to work in harmony with the State House of Assembly to recover lost time and restore momentum to key projects. He emphasized that ongoing initiatives must be completed and adequately funded to revive the economy, protect lives and property, and improve the well-being of all Rivers people. The governor also extended his deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his decisive leadership and fatherly intervention in restoring democracy to Rivers State.

In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike acknowledged his role as a “proud agent” of President Tinubu, affirming that the decision to lift the emergency rule was made in the best interest of Rivers State. He noted that the federal government could have extended the rule if a continued crisis was intended, but instead prioritized stability and progress.

However, the restoration of civil rule has not been without controversy. Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly’s “hasty” demand for Governor Fubara to present a new Appropriation Bill and submit commissioner nominees immediately after resuming office. Eze described this as “an unwarranted interference into the affairs of the executive arm of government” and a potential trigger for renewed political tension. He accused the ‘Wike camp’ of attempting to arm-twist the governor, arguing that the nomination of commissioners remains the sole constitutional prerogative of the executive.

Eze further recommended that, in the spirit of reconciliation, all members of the State Assembly who resigned or supported Fubara should be reinstated, along with previous commissioners and appointees. He urged President Tinubu to safeguard Governor Fubara’s mandate and protect him from any potential impeachment attempts, ensuring his constitutional powers remain intact.

Despite these lingering concerns, Governor Fubara called on all Rivers citizens to see this moment as a new beginning, a chance to rebuild trust, promote inclusiveness, and chart a peaceful and prosperous path for the future. He reassured residents that nothing has been irretrievably lost, emphasizing that opportunities still exist for healing, adjustment, and progress. Concluding his address, he reflected, “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”

With peace gradually returning, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that Rivers State will emerge stronger and more united, ready to reclaim its place as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant and forward-looking states.