“Time to Lift Emergency Rule Now”: Tinubu Told to Immediately Reinstate Fubara
- South-South leaders have sent a crucial message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the reinstatement of the suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara
- The leaders demanded Fubara's reinstatement before the expiration of the six-month suspension, while questioning the legality of Tinubu's declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers state amid a cold war with FCT minister Nyesom Wike
- Interestingly, this demand came weeks after Tinubu reconciled Wike and Fubara and both have been making public appearances
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
Leaders and other stakeholders of the South-South geopolitical zone have urged President Bola Tinubu to restore the suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara.
Source: Facebook
According to the leaders, President Tinubu can restore Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly, whom he wrongfully removed from office with the support of the National Assembly, without waiting until the six-month state of emergency ends on September 18.
Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers
Meanwhile, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers state.
He made the proclamation during a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, also suspending Governor Sim Fubara and his deputy for six months amid a political crisis rocking the state.
Source: Twitter
"The time to lift the emergency is now" - South-South frontrunner
Speaking on the development, Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), told Vanguard on Saturday, August 2, that:
"The time is now for the emergency rule to be lifted. Barring last-minute maneuvering emanating from the meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu, I had thought Fubara would have been reinstated by now. The president need not wait for the six months to elapse before the emergency declaration is lifted.
"Whatever the governor has decided to tell the Rivers people is his choice. If we continue to look back at the trajectory of what transpired, then we will not make any progress."
The president’s action is incorrect from the start - INC president
Professor Benjamin Okaba, the president of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the apex socio-cultural group of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, told Saturday Vanguard:
“We frowned at it and will continue to do so until normalcy returns to Rivers State and Nigeria’s democracy.”
Tinubu reconciles Wike, Fubara
Legit.ng reported that Governor Fubara recently reconciled with Wike after years of political misunderstanding that resulted in President Tinubu declaring a state of emergency in the state and suspending elected officials
Wike, Fubara, and State Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, were spotted at the funeral service for Wike’s uncle, Elder Temple Omezuruike Onuoha, head of the Oro-Ekpoduta Clan, held in Rumuepirikom, Rivers state, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The trio were seen days after the reconciliation brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Read more about Rivers crisis here:
- Rivers emergency rule: Date Tinubu may restore Fubara, suspended lawmakers, surface
- Why National Assembly will resolve Rivers crisis, Akpabio speaks
- "Rivers 2025 budget plans for Fubara’s return" - Ibas
Wike hides details of peace deal with Fubara
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that FCT minister Nyesom Wike vowed not to disclosed the details of the truce with Governor Fubara brokered by President Tinubu.
During a recent media parley, Wike explained why he would not reveal the crucial details of the peace deal with Fubara.
The FCT minister also declined comment on when President Tinubu will reinstate the suspended Rivers governor Fubara and end the emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
Source: Legit.ng
