Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Rivers State erupted in celebration as Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially returned to office following the lifting of the six-month state of emergency imposed on the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The emergency, declared on March 18, 2025, was triggered by months of political tension and a fierce power struggle between Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly.
During the emergency period, governance was overseen by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), who served as the state’s administrator. With the president’s latest directive, Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the 31-member Assembly have now resumed their constitutional duties.
Thousands of residents thronged the streets of Port Harcourt and gathered around Government House to welcome the governor. Jubilant songs, dancing, and praise echoed across major parts of the city as citizens expressed relief at the restoration of civilian rule.
In his first statement since returning to office, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the people for their resilience and pledged to focus on peace, development, and reconciliation. Legal experts, however, have cautioned that the recent crisis should serve as a lesson on the dangers of political brinkmanship. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa noted that the events highlight the need to clearly define presidential powers under Section 305 of the Constitution to avoid future misuse of emergency powers.
