Abuja, July 1, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to terminate the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State and reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara, along with the dissolved State House of Assembly, before the end of July. The move follows a reconciliation agreement facilitated between Governor Fubara and his former political ally, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike .
According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the decision emerged from a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, attended by President Tinubu, Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, suspended Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and several lawmakers .
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all 32 assembly members, and the appointment of retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, in response to escalating political tensions, pipeline vandalism, and legislative impasse .
Although the six-month suspension was slated to expire in September, sources say President Tinubu has chosen to advance the reinstatement, citing a restored truce between Fubara and Wike, made evident by their recent joint appearances and public displays of harmony .
One insider remarked, “Fubara is happy with the peace brokered by the President,” and confirmed that Tinubu personally asked Fubara to prepare for his return to office after his return from Saint Lucia and the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil .
Remaining sources suggest Fubara’s reinstatement will come with specific limitations: he is reportedly barred from seeking re-election, will surrender control over local government administration, and will see a reduction in his political authority within the state—reflecting negotiated terms with Minister Wike.
