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- The Nigerian public has reacted to the restoration of the democratically elected officials in Rivers state
- The state governor and all legislators were suspended by the president of the federation six months ago
- President Tinubu appointed a sole administrator to pilot the affairs of the state in the absence of the governor
President Bola Tinubu had lifted the emergency rule in Rivers state, effectively marking the end of the leadership of the Sole Administrator, retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas.
Ibas was tapped by the president to lead the state when the feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was descending into a violent chaos the federal government argued was beginning to threaten national security.
Source: Twitter
In a shocking address to the public in March, the President asked Fubara to vacate the state government house as he declared a state of emergency.
Tinubu was surprisingly subsequently backed unanimously by the national assembly, which stood solidly behind his controversial decision.
Since then, reconciliatory efforts had ensued. Fubara had reportedly met with both Tinubu and Wike to try to mend fences and restore elected officials to their offices in the state.
Today, September 17, in a post on his verified social handles, Tinubu announced that:
“With effect from midnight today, the State of Emergency in Rivers State is hereby lifted. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and the State House of Assembly will resume their constitutional duties from September 18, 2025.”
Nigerians react to lifting of emergency rule
Many Nigerians have expressed their opinions on the lifting of the emergency rule in the state.
Source: Twitter
Below are some of the comments;
@HeIsJayjam advised:
Welcome back, Governor Fubara. Don’t let those who didn’t know when you guys made your pact cause enmity between you and your boss again.
@Farouq_fq said:
I initially disagreed with the FG’s handling of the Rivers situation. However, after further consideration, I’ve completely changed my stance. I now recognize that the presidency’s difficult decision was necessary for the betterment of both Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
@Etibin1 said:
Thank God at last democracy is returning back to Rivers State, I hope the political gladiators have learnt their lessons.
@DbPragmatic said:
Fubara is back. I hope all the political players in Rivers (The Governor, Legislators, Former Governors, Elders and Youths) have all learnt their lessons and will not go back to their old ways of ”I must cancel everyone”.
@hillcrestfo opined:
It was the right decision to avert total anarchy, economic sabotage, constitutional breach, and bloodshed in Rivers State. Kudos to you, Mr. President. Best of luck to all the people of Rivers State
@KatorTarkaa said:
If this stands unchallenged, it sets a dangerous precedent as future Presidents could suspend governors at will under the guise of ‘emergency’ and restore them at convenience. The law should not bend to politics.
@Toxan1Q said:
Politics aside, Tinubu is the most intelligent politician in terms of playing politics.
He already have Wike on his side, instead of taking sides with wike and let the Rivers house of assembly to impeach Fubara, he use the emergency rule to create time for reconciliation and now they have one house. Which means both Fubara and Wike loyalist are with him for 2027 election. Rivers in the bag for him.
Before you come for me, me and you weren’t there when they entered the agreement and till date we don’t know what they agreed on. Wike only used his numbers in the house of Assembly to achieve his aim. In the eyes of the law Wike have nothing to do with Rivers crisis. It was a proxy way for him.
Legal experts blasted Tinubu
Six months ago, as reported by Legit.ng, prominent Nigerian lawyers were unusually united in their negation of the president’s move to unilaterally suspend the state’s executive and legislative branches.
Renowned constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun argued:
“President Bola Tinubu has no constitutional power to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. While the President may declare a state of emergency, he is not legally empowered to remove elected officials.”
Similarly, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong asserted:
“President Tinubu has no constitutional authority to suspend the Governor of Rivers State or members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The emergency powers outlined in the 1999 Constitution do not grant him such authority.”
Did Wike collapse in Abuja?
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, refuted claims that his principal collapsed during a meeting on Friday, March 28, and was flown to France for medical attention.
Recall that report making the rounds in the polity alleged that Wike’s collapse was due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a partial stroke.
Source: Legit.ng
