Fubara Declares End of Crisis as Emergency Rule Lifts in Rivers State

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has assured residents that peace and stability have returned to the state following the end of a six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in March.

In a statewide broadcast on Friday, September 19, 2025, the governor called on all political actors to embrace reconciliation and focus on rebuilding governance.

Rivers State was placed under emergency rule on March 18, 2025, after months of political turmoil between rival factions loyal to Governor Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. During the period, democratic institutions were suspended, and Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (rtd.) was appointed to administer the state.

Speaking to the people of Rivers, Fubara acknowledged the “enormously challenging” period but said he chose not to contest the legality of the emergency declaration in order to safeguard peace.

“No sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State,” he explained.

The governor praised President Tinubu for his “fatherly disposition and decisive interventions” that eventually brokered reconciliation between all warring parties, including himself, Wike, and members of the State House of Assembly.

“Our leader, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and I, as your governor, have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace,” he said.

Fubara acknowledged the fears of citizens about the nature of the peace process but stressed that “the costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.” He urged stakeholders to put aside personal interests and work for the collective good of the state.

He also pledged to resume governance in earnest, completing ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, and education, while working harmoniously with the Assembly to “recover lost grounds” after the disruption caused by the emergency period.

“I renew my pledge to serve with the fear of God, humility, and a high sense of duty,” Fubara stated, while thanking the people of Rivers State for their resilience during the suspension of democratic rule.

The end of emergency rule marks the restoration of constitutional governance in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic and oil-rich states. Analysts say the success or failure of the new peace deal will depend on whether rival camps remain committed to reconciliation and avoid a relapse into crisis.