Fubara Hails End of Emergency Rule in Rivers, Pledges Reconciliation and Progress
Adm Septempter, 21st 2025
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday announced the formal end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state, following the resolution of the political crisis that had paralyzed governance since March.
In a statewide broadcast, Governor Fubara confirmed that peace has been restored after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brokered a high-level reconciliation between key political actors, including the Governor, former Governor Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
> “We believe the political crisis is now behind us and that peace and stability have once again returned to Rivers State,” Fubara declared. “Though not without the hard lessons learnt from the emergency rule.”
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing escalating tensions and political instability. Democratic institutions were temporarily suspended, and federal oversight was imposed to restore order.
Despite initial concerns over the legality of the emergency rule, Governor Fubara said he chose not to challenge the declaration in court, prioritizing peace and stability over partisanship.
> “No sacrifice is too great to secure peace,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to unity and reconciliation.
The Governor expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as “fatherly disposition and decisive intervention,” and extended gratitude to national leaders including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, and members of the National Assembly.
He also thanked Rivers State legislators and various stakeholders—religious, traditional, civil society, and political leaders—for their roles in resolving the impasse.
While acknowledging the fears and uncertainties expressed by some citizens about the peace process, Fubara called for renewed hope and collective action.
> “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war,” he said, urging all residents to “rise above bitterness and division” and to unite in rebuilding the state.
Looking ahead, Fubara emphasized the need to refocus on governance, promising to complete stalled infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects. He reaffirmed his dedication to inclusive development and vowed to work closely with the State Assembly to “recover lost grounds.”
In a message to Rivers people, he concluded:
“Let us embrace this moment as a fresh beginning. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future.”
The broadcast marks a new chapter for Rivers State as it transitions from political crisis to governance and development, under the renewed leadership of a reconciled political class.
