By John Umeh
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has projected that the state of emergency currently imposed on Rivers State will lapse on September 18, paving the way for a return to legislative and grassroots governance.
Wike, who spoke shortly after casting his vote in the local government elections on Saturday, expressed optimism that the prevailing political tensions in the state were easing and that the necessary structures were now in place for normalcy to resume.
Elections Amid Emergency Rule
Despite Rivers State being under emergency rule for the past six months, Saturday’s local government elections proceeded under tight security, with Wike hailing the peaceful conduct of the polls.
“As far as we are concerned, this election is peaceful, people are trooping out, and at the end of the day the election will be adjudged a success,” the FCT minister noted.
He emphasized that the conclusion of the elections was significant because it underscored the readiness of Rivers to transition out of the emergency period. According to him, once the mandate of the people is restored at the grassroots level, the return of the state’s House of Assembly on September 18 will mark the final step in Rivers’ political stabilization.
Background to the Emergency
The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, imposed emergency rule on Rivers earlier in the year following a fierce political crisis that threatened to cripple governance in the oil-rich state.
The measure suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the State House of Assembly for six months. It was seen as a drastic but necessary step to forestall escalation, with federal authorities citing the breakdown of law and order in the state.
For Rivers residents, the decision was both shocking and controversial. Supporters of the move argued that it was the only way to prevent chaos, while critics claimed it undermined democratic principles by sidelining elected officials.
Wike’s Position and Confidence
As a former governor of Rivers and now a key figure in the federal cabinet, Wike’s voice carries significant weight in shaping both public opinion and political outcomes in the state.
On Saturday, he struck a confident tone, noting that the state was ready to return to democratic structures.
“The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, being that the state government has its representatives and the local government has its representatives,” he said.
His remarks reflect not only his political stake in Rivers but also his role as a power broker in national politics. Wike’s political trajectory—from governor to minister—has made him one of the most influential figures in President Tinubu’s administration.
Implications for Rivers State
The expiration of the emergency rule on September 18 would mark a turning point for Rivers. It would restore the functions of the state House of Assembly and set the stage for the resumption of normal governance.
Local government councils, which serve as the closest tier of government to the people, would be empowered to deliver grassroots development once fully in place. For many residents, this is a much-needed development after months of uncertainty.
However, political analysts caution that the lifting of the emergency does not necessarily mean the crisis is over. Deep-rooted rivalries, factional disputes within the political elite, and questions about the legitimacy of suspended officials could resurface once institutions resume full operations.
What Lies Ahead
Observers believe that the next few weeks will be critical in determining the future of governance in Rivers. Will the state’s political actors work together to consolidate peace, or will old disputes resurface as soon as emergency control is lifted?
The House of Assembly’s return is particularly crucial, as it will need to rebuild public trust while also legislating effectively after months of suspension. Furthermore, the status of Governor Fubara and his deputy remains an unresolved issue that may test the political will of both federal and state stakeholders.
For now, however, Wike insists the path is clear: “By September 18, the state of emergency will lapse, and the assembly will return to their duties while governance at the grassroots will continue normally.”
Conclusion
As the September 18 deadline approaches, Rivers State stands at the edge of a new chapter. The expiration of emergency rule offers a chance for restoration, reconciliation, and renewed governance. Whether this opportunity will be fully seized depends largely on the willingness of political leaders to prioritize stability over rivalry.
For the people of Rivers, who have endured months of political turbulence, the hope is simple: a return to normalcy, peace, and effective leadership.
