Rivers Crisis: Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule, Reinstates Fubara – Atiku, Wike, Adeyanju React
The political storm in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as President Bola Tinubu officially ended the six-month emergency rule and reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and the state House of Assembly.
Tinubu, who suspended the state’s democratic structures in March and appointed a sole administrator, Ibok Ibas, announced their return to office effective September 18, 2025.
While supporters hailed the move as a restoration of democracy, critics blasted it as a dangerous precedent.
Wike: Tinubu Saved Rivers from Crisis
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised Tinubu for “restoring peace and democracy,” urging Rivers stakeholders to unite for progress.
Atiku: Illegal, Dictatorial
Atiku Abubakar’s camp, through spokesman Paul Ibe, condemned the president’s action, describing both the suspension and reinstatement of Fubara as unconstitutional.
Lawyer Idam: Fubara Now a Puppet
Rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam argued that Fubara had been “decimated and neutralized,” insisting the governor was reduced to a puppet under Wike’s control.
Adeyanju: Evil Precedent for Democracy
Activist Deji Adeyanju accused Tinubu of dragging Nigeria back to the military era, slamming both the judiciary and opposition for failing to challenge the action.
CUPP: Welcome, but Dangerous
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) welcomed the reinstatement but condemned the emergency rule as “an unconstitutional power grab.”
The Rivers saga has reignited debates on federal overreach, constitutionalism, and the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy.
