Premium News
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has applauded President Bola Tinubu for lifting the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, describing the move as a positive step toward restoring democratic governance.
The commendation came in a statement released on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike emphasized that President Tinubu’s intervention demonstrated his commitment to peace and stability in the country.
The state of emergency was originally declared in March 2025, following a severe political impasse between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and a majority faction in the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule.
This conflict had effectively paralyzed the state’s government, with the Supreme Court ruling that there was no functioning government in Rivers State at the time.
To restore order, President Tinubu invoked powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the governor, deputy governor, and the entire State House of Assembly.
During this period, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) was appointed Sole Administrator to manage the state’s affairs.
With the expiration of the six-month emergency period on September 17, 2025, the president directed Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the lawmakers to return to their offices on September 18, marking the official end of the emergency rule.
In his statement, Minister Wike urged all stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace unity and work collectively toward the state’s progress.
He also cautioned against disruptive elements who might seek to exploit past tensions for personal gain, assuring that such attempts would be firmly resisted.
“From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress and development,” Wike declared.
The Minister also commended the people of Rivers State for their resilience and steadfast support throughout the crisis, noting that the return to democratic governance is a significant milestone for the state.
President Tinubu’s action in ending the emergency rule serves as a reminder to other states and their political leaders about the importance of cooperation between executive and legislative arms to foster effective governance and deliver democratic dividends.
As Rivers State prepares to transition back to normal democratic processes, the combined efforts of its leaders and citizens will be crucial in sustaining peace and advancing development for the benefit of all.
