by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Port Harcourt erupted in celebration yesterday following the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. Drums, songs, and jubilant crowds surrounded Government House as residents anticipated the official return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
Although the governor did not immediately resume office, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened plenary with most members present, except for three loyalists of Fubara.
Background
Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18 after a bitter standoff between Fubara and lawmakers aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The president suspended the governor, his deputy, and the entire legislature, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state.
The move drew widespread criticism, with legal experts and opposition leaders accusing Tinubu of violating the constitution. On Tuesday, the president lifted the suspension, effective September 17, allowing democratic institutions to resume.
Opposition Reactions
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the suspension as unconstitutional, insisting Tinubu had no powers to sideline elected officials. Labour Party’s Peter Obi echoed the sentiment, calling the emergency rule a “grave mistake” that undermined Nigeria’s democracy. Both men argued that the lifting of the ban was not worth celebrating, since the initial action itself was illegal.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned the development, labelling Tinubu’s handling of the crisis “whimsically autocratic” and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
PANDEF’s Praise
In contrast, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) hailed the restoration of democracy as “the dawn of a glorious day.” In a joint statement, its leaders, including King Alfred Diette-Spiff and Obong Victor Attah, welcomed Fubara’s return, praised Tinubu for correcting course, and urged unity and reconciliation across political divides.
Assembly Sets Agenda
At its resumed sitting, the Rivers Assembly resolved to:
- Request a list of commissioner nominees from Governor Fubara for screening,
- Demand submission of a fresh budget,
- Probe expenditures and contracts awarded during the six-month emergency rule.
House Leader Major Jack noted that while the August 30 local government elections were a positive outcome of the emergency period, the Assembly must now realign governance with the will of the people. Speaker Martins Amaewhule affirmed the resolutions, with plenary adjourned to September 22.
Wike: Peace Restored, No Interference in Fubara’s Cabinet
Speaking on Channels Television, Nyesom Wike disclosed that he had recently spoken directly with Fubara to cement peace in the state.
“Peace has returned, and the Assembly’s actions show we are prepared to move forward,” he said, adding that he would not impose commissioners or aides on his successor.
“I have no candidates. I will not suggest commissioners for the governor. Why would I impose anything on him?” Wike insisted.
The Road Ahead
While Port Harcourt residents celebrated what PANDEF called “light after dark days,” opposition leaders warned that Tinubu’s actions had left scars on Nigeria’s democratic process. For Rivers, however, the focus now shifts to reconciliation, transparency, and rebuilding governance after six months of political turbulence.