Abuja– Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), revealed on Saturday, August 30, that the Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, along with members of the state House of Assembly, will be reinstated on September 18, 2025, when the six-month-long state of emergency imposed on Rivers State is set to expire.
Wike made the announcement shortly after casting his vote in the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State. He described the electoral process as peaceful and well-coordinated, noting that timely delivery of materials had ensured smooth voting . According to him, the holding of these elections under emergency rule is significant for ensuring governance continuity at the grassroots; without them, there would be no functioning leadership once the emergency period lapses.
The state of emergency was declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, amid escalating political tensions in Rivers State. The move included the suspension of Governor Fubara, with Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) appointed as the Sole Administrator of the State.
Recently, a reconciliation appeared to have taken shape between Wike and Fubara. The two, along with State Assembly Speaker Martins Amaewhule, were seen together at a funeral in Rivers State on June 28, 2025, following mediation by President Tinubu. After that event, all parties declared a commitment to peace and cooperation.
Despite the thawing of relations, Wike declined to disclose the terms of the peace accord during a press interaction, emphasizing the sensitivity of the agreement.
