By Mary Onyia
The emergency rule in Rivers State will officially end on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, poised to resume their offices.
Barring any last-minute changes, the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State will officially come to an end on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, are expected to resume their elected offices.
Earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike indicated that the six-month emergency rule would conclude following the successful local government elections in the state, setting the stage for Thursday’s transition.
With these developments, preparations for the transition are underway. President Bola Tinubu returned to the country on Tuesday after cutting short his 10-day vacation abroad, and Governor Fubara, who had been on sabbatical overseas, is also reported to be back.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, to avert a total breakdown of law and order following a prolonged political crisis between Wike, now FCT Minister, and his successor, Fubara. A sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), was appointed to steer the state during the transition.
At a Thanksgiving service on Sunday, the outgoing administrator urged Rivers people to sustain the peace and progress achieved during his short tenure.
Residents of Rivers State are in high spirits ahead of Thursday’s reinstatement, hopeful that the return of their elected officials will pave the way for reconciliation and stability.