By Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
Thousands of supporters of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, were left disillusioned after the widely speculated lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers failed to materialise on Democracy Day, June 12.
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The emergency rule, imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 18 March 2025, has now lasted more than three months. In the lead-up to Democracy Day, strong speculation circulated that the order would be revoked, raising the hopes of many in the state.
Amid the growing rumour, former factional Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, reportedly dismissed any prospects of political forgiveness for Governor Fubara, stating that even a defection to the APC would not absolve him.
In contrast, Chief Emeka Beke, the recognised APC Chairman in the state and a political rival of Okocha, extended an olive branch to the embattled governor. He said the party remained open to welcoming Fubara should he choose to cross over to the APC.
Despite the rising anticipation, President Tinubu made no mention of the Rivers State situation during his Democracy Day address or the National Assembly joint briefing, dealing a blow to expectations of a resolution.
The silence from the presidency has been taken by many observers as a signal that Tinubu is not one to yield to political pressure, preferring instead to act strictly in what he deems to be the national interest.
Reports from Port Harcourt indicated that a group known as Rivers Women Unite for SIM had gathered at the Ecumenical Centre in anticipation of a celebratory announcement of Fubara’s reinstatement. However, their hopes were dashed as the President’s address made no reference to the crisis.
Political analysts noted that Tinubu’s unpredictable nature has confounded even his closest allies. Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, who has openly claimed dual roles including that of Special Adviser to the President, admitted that he was not consulted prior to the imposition of the emergency rule in the state.
This latest development appears to have served as a sobering reality for political actors in the state. Commentators argue that the chaos ignited by the standoff between rival factions in the Rivers State House of Assembly, particularly the group led by Martin Amaewhule, has only brought damage to the state’s political landscape.
With no end in sight, many of the actors involved now appear to be counting the cost of their actions. The once-aggressive rhetoric has subsided, and there is a growing call for introspection among political stakeholders.
Well-meaning citizens of Rivers State continue to appeal to President Tinubu to reconsider the emergency rule and restore full democratic governance. These calls draw on Tinubu’s legacy as a pro-democracy advocate who played a significant role in the struggle against military dictatorship and the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria.
The prevailing hope among the people is that lessons have been learned from the political impasse and that the state can now begin to heal and move forward.
