BREAKING: Rivers Six-Month Emergency Rule Successfully Completed — Ibas Declares

Rivers Six-Month Emergency Rule Successfully Completed — Ibas Declares

 

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has announced the successful completion of the six-month emergency mandate handed to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Speaking at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, Ibas received the official report of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) on the just-concluded local government elections, describing the exercise as the final step in restoring normalcy to the state.

 

Background to the Mandate

 

President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, following the deepening political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The directive suspended both the governor and state legislators, with Ibas appointed to oversee governance.

 

According to the retired naval chief, the presidential directive was clear — restore order, re-establish democratic institutions, and stabilise the state.

 

“With the peaceful conduct of local government elections and the swearing-in of elected chairmen and councillors across all 23 LGAs, I can confidently say the mandate has been achieved,” Ibas stated.

 

Credible Polls and RSIEC’s Role

 

Ibas commended RSIEC for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent poll, noting that citizens were able to freely elect their leaders without intimidation. He assured that the government would carefully review the commission’s report before issuing a white paper.

 

Presenting the report, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey hailed the election as “historic,” noting that it was organised and concluded within 30 days — an unprecedented achievement in Nigeria’s electoral history. He attributed the success to collaboration among political parties, civil society organisations, and security agencies, while thanking the state administrator for ensuring adequate funding.

 

Fubara’s Expected Return

 

With the expiration of the emergency rule, Governor Siminalayi Fubara — who has reportedly been on vacation abroad — is expected to return to office next week, formally resuming his duties as the state’s chief executive.