Rivers Emergency Rule: Tinubu Under Pressure As Fubara’s Reinstatement Sparks Political Storm
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – May 4, 2025
Nigeria’s political landscape is once again gripped by tension as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces mounting pressure following the dramatic reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, amid swirling rumors of a possible emergency rule declaration in the oil-rich region.
For weeks, Rivers State has been a theater of intense political drama, triggered by a deepening rift between Governor Fubara and key political forces loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The power tussle escalated into a full-blown crisis involving parallel legislative sessions, disputed executive decisions, and reports of state institutions being compromised.
Amidst these developments, concerns grew nationwide over alleged plans to suspend democratic structures in Rivers and impose emergency rule — a move that would effectively dissolve the elected government and bring the state under federal control. However, in a stunning turn of events, Fubara was reinstated, a development celebrated by his supporters and political observers as a landmark moment for democratic resilience.
The reinstatement was met with jubilation across several parts of the state. Crowds took to the streets in Port Harcourt waving placards and chanting solidarity songs in support of Fubara.
“This is not just a personal victory for the governor; it’s a major win for constitutional democracy,” said a political analyst, Dr. Ngozi Korie. “The people have spoken, and the illegal maneuvers to unseat him have failed.”
Governor Fubara, in a brief address, praised the resilience of the people and reaffirmed his commitment to peace and good governance. His allies have described the development as a “big day” in the history of Rivers State politics.
The crisis, however, has put President Tinubu in a difficult position. As the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he is being pulled in different directions — between loyalty to powerful party figures, including Wike, and the need to uphold democratic principles.
Insiders say there had been internal lobbying for the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers, justified by what some federal lawmakers described as a “total collapse of governance.” However, such a move would be controversial, with constitutional experts and civil rights organizations warning of grave national consequences.
“Declaring emergency rule in a politically motivated context would be dangerous and unacceptable,” said Mr. Adekunle Oyebanji, a constitutional lawyer. “It would undermine democratic institutions and risk turning Rivers into a battleground.”
So far, the presidency has neither confirmed nor denied the speculated move but has instead maintained a cautious silence, fueling further speculation and anxiety.
The crisis in Rivers is quickly becoming a test case for Nigeria’s democracy. With 2027 general elections on the horizon, the political elite are watching closely to see how Tinubu handles what many believe is his first major intra-party conflict with national implications.
Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and traditional rulers have all called for de-escalation and dialogue.
“The people of Rivers deserve peace and stability, not political warfare,” said Archbishop Peter John, who leads a coalition of clerics advocating for peaceful resolution. “Let the will of the people prevail.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has also warned against the misuse of emergency powers, urging President Tinubu to prioritize dialogue and constitutional order.
While the reinstatement of Fubara has provided temporary relief to his supporters, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Analysts warn that without meaningful reconciliation and institutional reform, the crisis could resurface in new forms.
President Tinubu is now expected to make a public statement in the coming days to clarify the federal government’s position and outline steps toward restoring full stability in Rivers.
For now, the eyes of the nation — and indeed, the international community — remain firmly fixed on Aso Rock
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