The Political Landscape in Rivers State
As the initial six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State approaches its end, supporters of the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are eagerly awaiting his return from London. The political climate in the state has been tense, marked by a power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Fubara, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was notably absent during the August 30 local government elections, which saw his Local Government Area, Opobo/Nkoro, fall to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Of the 23 LGAs in the state, the PDP won only three, while the APC secured 20. This shift in political dynamics highlights the challenges faced by Fubara and his party.
Close aides to the suspended Governor have confirmed that Fubara traveled to London and has yet to return to the country. The situation has sparked speculation about the future of governance in Rivers State, with many hoping for his reinstatement.
The Emergency Rule and Its Implications
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats as reasons for the extraordinary measure. This declaration followed an emergency meeting with security and intelligence chiefs at the Aso Rock Villa. Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs until normalcy is restored. Ibas previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The crisis in Rivers State has significantly impacted governance in the oil-rich region. It marks the culmination of a months-long power struggle between Fubara and Wike. The political turmoil escalated in December 2023 after Fubara demolished the state’s House of Assembly complex, leading to a prolonged battle over the legitimacy of the legislative arm. This conflict worsened when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC, prompting legal disputes over their status.
Legal Rulings and Governance Stagnation
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly. The court also faulted Fubara’s actions as being unconstitutional and despotic. The verdict noted that the state had collapsed into one-man rule due to the absence of a functioning legislature. Despite this ruling, governance remained stalled, with the executive and legislature at loggerheads. As of March 2025, the state’s annual Appropriation Bill had not been passed.
A day before Tinubu imposed emergency rule, an explosion rocked a section of the Trans Niger Pipeline in the Bodo Community of Gonna Local Government Area in Rivers State. The following day, another explosion severed a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of the State. The President expressed concern over vandalism by militants, allegedly acting in support of Fubara.
Public Sentiment and Future Expectations
Rivers State citizens, especially Fubara’s supporters, are anxiously gearing up for his reinstatement in office as speculations of an emergency-rule extension grow. Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, attested to what he called an excitement in the air, even though there are no arrangements yet to receive the Governor.
He stated, “It is about Rivers people. Rivers people are excited. You know a man who has shown them that he loves the entire state, and such a thing happens; it is natural that now, with the date very close, they should be feeling a certain way. Rivers people are happy that he will soon come and complete his good works.”
Meanwhile, the PUNCH understands that media aide to the State Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, denied reports of an emergency rule extension. Igbikiowubo affirmed that Ibas will leave office once his six-month tenure ends and is eager to complete projects initiated during his tenure.
Calls for Stability and Development
Residents of Rivers State have expressed mixed feelings about the emergency rule. While some are happy that it will end soon, they urge the speedy completion of several ongoing infrastructure projects with a renewed focus on job creation. A civil servant identified as Precious told our correspondent, “We want the trans-Kalabari Ring Road, the Port Harcourt Ring Road and the construction of Buguma, Degema-Abonnema Road to be completed almost immediately. The Governor should revisit agricultural projects to boost food production and focus on strengthening healthcare delivery.”
A resident who identified herself as Mrs Thomson urged true reconciliation in the interest of the state, emphasizing the need for improved security and youth engagement. “We want security to improve in the state. People are jobless, and youths are unemployed. We want meaningful engagement of the youth, and we also want absolute, real peace. All the political gladiators should come together and unite to promote proper governance,” she stated.
Hope for the Future
A group, Rivers Women Unite for Sim, expressed joy that their months-long prayer for Fubara’s return is within grasp. In an interview with The PUNCH, one of the Coordinators who pleaded anonymity said, “We, the Rivers Women United for Sim, are happy that our Governor will soon come back. We have been praying for this emergency rule to come to an end, and God has done it. We cannot wait to welcome our beloved Governor. We will welcome him in a big way.”
When contacted for comment, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “Why are the speculations? The suspension ends on September 17 or 18. Wait till then to know what will happen. Don’t forget, it has the backing of the National Assembly. So, the issue is not the President’s alone.”
