WHY I REFUSED TO CHALLENGE TINUBU’S EMERGENCY RULE — FUBARA
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has explained why he resisted pressure from his supporters to contest the emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Tinubu, saying his decision was driven by the need to ensure peace, stability, and progress for the people.
Fubara gave the explanation on Friday in a statewide broadcast after returning to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule.
The governor, alongside his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Edison Ehie, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, two days after President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule and ordered his reinstatement.
Their aircraft, with number 5N-BTX, landed at 12:15 pm to a heroic welcome.
Among those who received the governor were former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Orji Ngofa; former Commissioner for Environment, Sydney Gbara; and former factional Speaker of the House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Others included former Commissioner for Youths, Chisom Gbali; former Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi; former NUPENG President, Igwe Achese; former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; and former Port Harcourt City council chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, among others.
Tinubu had on Wednesday ended the six-month emergency rule, which also marked the conclusion of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.)’s tenure as Rivers State’s sole administrator.
The state had been engulfed in one of Nigeria’s fiercest political crises, which pitched Fubara against his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The fallout between both men over control of state structures divided the House of Assembly, triggered impeachment moves, protests, and violence, including the burning of the Assembly complex.
President Tinubu’s earlier peace deal failed to restore calm before the emergency rule was declared.
In a statement announcing the end of the rule, the President said, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.
“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”
Although Fubara was expected to resume on Thursday, he failed to show up despite hundreds of supporters gathering at the Government House gate from as early as 6 am.
Assembly resumes plenary
At its first sitting in six months, the state Assembly urged the governor to immediately send in commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation.
The session, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, also demanded the submission of the state’s Appropriation Bill while vowing to review funds expended during the emergency period.
According to a statement by the Speaker’s aide, Martins Wachukwu, “Returning from a six-month emergency rule induced by the political impasse in the state in the recent past, the Rivers State House of Assembly, on Thursday, at its first legislative sitting, through a motion, set the legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third season of the 10th Assembly.”
The House Leader, Major Jack, sponsored the motion with eight co-sponsors. Members praised the motion and supported all its prayers.
‘Why I obeyed emergency rule declaration’
In his statewide address, Fubara described the period as “enormously challenging” but said he abided by the decision to give room for peace.
“As your governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr President and the National Assembly, guided by my conviction that the sacrifice was not too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.
“This was why I also resisted the pressure to challenge the constitutionality of the declaration of the state of emergency, the suspension of democratic institutions and all other actions that we endured during the difficult period,” he said.
He commended Tinubu for brokering reconciliation among him, Wike, and lawmakers.
“Our leader, Nyesom Wike, all members of Rivers State House of Assembly, and I as your governor have all accepted to bury the hatchet and embrace peace and reconciliation in the best interest of our dear state,” Fubara said.
Reaffirming loyalty to Tinubu, Fubara added: “To those who have expressed genuine fear, frustration and uncertainty over the nature of the peace process, I assure you that your concerns are valid and understood.
“However, nothing has been irretrievably lost. There remain ample opportunities for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness.”
The governor urged political leaders and stakeholders to ensure the peace holds, stressing that his administration would now focus on governance and service delivery.
‘Bond with Rivers continues’
After arriving at the Government House, Fubara assured the people that his government would continue working in their best interest.
He expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the airport, though no loyalist of Wike was present.
Celebration on gov’s return
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Port Harcourt turned festive as news of his arrival spread.
Supporters sang and danced as bands played while his convoy entered the Government House after six months of absence.
Inside the complex, workers also celebrated. Fubara inspected offices and facilities before addressing journalists, expressing joy at the overwhelming show of love from the people.
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