Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 17, 2025
PORT HARCOURT- Siminalayi Fubara is tomorrow Thursday returning to the River State Government House. His return as Governor of Rivers State marks a pivotal moment after a six-month state of emergency. President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of the emergency rule on March 18, 2025, suspended the governor, his deputy, and all state lawmakers to address a protracted political crisis that had crippled governance.
The coming months will be a test for Governor Fubara. The success of his administration and the future stability of Rivers State depend on his ability to rise above the political squabbles and govern in a manner that serves the collective interest of the people
The crisis, which began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, was a power struggle between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The political turmoil led to a breakdown of law and order, with the legislature unable to function and key government assets being threatened.
The Way Forward for Rivers State
For Rivers State to move forward, several crucial steps must be taken to ensure stability, restore governance, and foster a lasting peace.
1. Reconciliation and the Rule of Law
The immediate priority is the reconciliation of the warring political factions. While the state of emergency provided a temporary reprieve, the underlying issues must be addressed.
Fubara and his political godfather, Wike, must honor the peace agreements facilitated by President Tinubu. This means a genuine commitment to the rule of law and respecting the constitutional roles of all elected officials, particularly the state legislature.
The judiciary has already affirmed the legitimacy of the Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, and the governor must work with them to pass the state budget and other critical legislation. Without this cooperation, the state risks a return to political paralysis.
2. Focus on Governance and Economic Development 📈
With the political instability hopefully behind them, the Fubara administration must prioritize good governance. The state of emergency has undoubtedly delayed projects and affected the economy.
The governor needs to quickly re-engage with all ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure a smooth return to normal operations. The focus should be on delivering tangible benefits to the citizens of Rivers State.
This includes:
Infrastructure development: Resuming and completing stalled projects.
Security: Addressing the lingering issues of pipeline vandalism and political violence that contributed to the crisis.
Economic revitalization: Creating a stable environment that attracts investors and fosters business growth in the oil-rich state.
3. Building Bridges and Trust
The political crisis has created deep divisions within the state, not just among politicians but also among the populace. Governor Fubara must work to rebuild public trust and heal these divisions.
This involves:
Inclusive leadership: Engaging with all stakeholders, including political opponents, community leaders, and civil society organizations.
Transparent communication: Regularly updating the public on government activities and decisions.
Accountability: Ensuring that government resources are used for the benefit of the people and not for political patronage.
The coming months will be a test for Governor Fubara. The success of his administration and the future stability of Rivers State depend on his ability to rise above the political squabbles and govern in a manner that serves the collective interest of the people.
