Fubara Reinstated as Tinubu Ends Rivers Emergency Rule

In a dramatic reversal that has stunned political watchers, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State and formally reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, months after suspending him and handing control of the state to a sole administrator.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, 17th September via a terse statement from the Presidency, marks a sudden de-escalation in one of Nigeria’s most volatile political standoffs, a crisis that had pitted the governor against his godfather, former Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

“Having noted the progress toward reconciliation and the commitment of all parties to uphold peace and constitutional order, the President hereby revokes the proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State,” the statement read.
“His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, resumes full executive powers with immediate effect.”

The crisis erupted in late February, after months of bitter infighting between Governor Fubara and Wike, over control of the state assembly, finances, and appointments. Tensions boiled over when lawmakers, backed by Wike, attempted to impeach Fubara. The governor responded by locking them out of the assembly complex.

Chaos followed: parallel legislative sessions, police barricades, national headlines, and eventually, President Tinubu’s unprecedented intervention. On March 18, citing “governance paralysis” and “threats to public safety,” Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, suspended Fubara, and appointed former Chief Judge of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as Sole Administrator.

The move drew criticism from legal experts and opposition figures, who called it constitutionally dubious and politically risky.

Behind the Reversal

Sources close to the Presidency say quiet, high-level negotiations involving prominent individuals helped broker a fragile truce between Fubara and Wike.

Though no formal agreement has been published, insiders say key concessions were made:

Fubara retains office but agrees to consult Wike on major appointments.
The suspended lawmakers return, but impeachment proceedings are shelved.
Security forces will remain neutral, and state assets frozen during the emergency will be gradually unfrozen.
Governor Fubara, in a brief statement from Government House in Port Harcourt, thanked Nigerians for their prayers and promised “a new chapter of peace, progress, and inclusive governance.”

Wike, for his part, has not publicly commented, but sources say he is “satisfied with the outcome.”

Supporters of Fubara are celebrating in the streets of Port Harcourt, waving placards and honking horns. Many see the reinstatement as a victory for due process.

With Fubara back in charge, attention now turns to whether he can govern independently or if Wike’s shadow will continue to loom large. The state assembly is expected to reconvene this week, and budget approvals stalled during the emergency will need urgent attention.

For President Tinubu, the episode is a reminder of how fragile political alliances are and how quickly regional crises can become national distractions.

One thing’s clear: in Rivers State, the drama may be paused, but it’s far from over.