With Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara scheduled to resume office on September 18 after six months of suspension, political tensions have resurfaced over the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who governed during the period, insists that his administration delivered on the president’s directive to restore peace and stability in the troubled state.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, Ibas said, “Today, as a people, we return thanks to God for preserving our lives, granting us peace, and allowing the successful conduct of the local government council elections across the state and thus laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State.”
The emergency rule was introduced on March 18 amid a protracted political feud between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara, which paralysed governance for nearly two years.
Two days later, both the House of Representatives and Senate endorsed the president’s declaration, even as 11 PDP governors challenged it at the Supreme Court (SC/CV/329/2025).
During his tenure, Ibas oversaw the August 30 local government elections in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured 20 seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won three.
While APC leaders praised Ibas for ensuring peace and protecting democratic processes, opposition parties called for an investigation into his stewardship. PDP’s Timothy Osadolor branded the administration “illegal,” demanding accountability for resources spent. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) also condemned the move, calling it “an exercise in futility,” while Labour Party’s Tony Akeni alleged that Ibas was merely a placeholder for Tinubu and Wike.
Civil society groups, including the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), said the emergency rule crippled economic activities and weakened institutions. The Ijaw Youth Council alleged mismanagement of funds, insisting that the state lost investors’ confidence.
Despite the criticism, the APC’s Bala Ibrahim said, “What matters to us as a party is the peaceful coexistence of the people and the freedom given to the people of Rivers State to exercise the franchise of election.”
As Rivers braces for Fubara’s reinstatement, Ibas urged politicians to “forgive one another, reconcile with sincerity, and embrace tolerance,” stressing that Rivers State “cannot afford another season of division and acrimony.”
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