The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstate Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sparked heated reactions from political leaders, human rights activists, and legal practitioners across Nigeria.

On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. During this period, Tinubu appointed retired military officer Ibok Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

However, in a national broadcast on September 17, 2025, Tinubu lifted the emergency and reinstated all suspended officials. He declared:

“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu, and Speaker Martins Amaewhule with other Assembly members will resume work in their respective offices from September 18, 2025.”

This reinstatement has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders across the country.

---

Wike Praises Tinubu’s Move as a Commitment to Democracy

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, lauded President Tinubu for restoring democratic governance in Rivers State. According to Wike, the president’s intervention reflects his dedication to peace, stability, and democratic values.

Through his aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike noted that Tinubu’s decision restored the confidence of Rivers people in his leadership. He urged political stakeholders to work together for the collective progress of the state, cautioning fifth columnists and political opportunists against destabilizing the peace.

“From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be that of peace, progress, and development,” Wike assured.

---

Atiku’s Camp Condemns Tinubu: “This is an Assault on Democracy”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Paul Ibe, strongly criticized Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, describing it as illegal and unconstitutional.

Ibe argued that the president lacked the authority to suspend a democratically elected governor, adding that the action was part of a larger plot to weaken the opposition and force political alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The president does not have that power and should not have arrogated it to himself. What he did was unconstitutional, and reinstating the governor does not change the illegality,” Ibe stated.

He further alleged that Tinubu’s administration is systematically shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space, using state institutions to suppress dissent.

---

Human Rights Lawyer: “Fubara Has Been Neutralized”

Legal activist Maduabuchi Idam described the suspension and reinstatement of Fubara as a calculated political move to weaken the Rivers governor.

According to Idam, Tinubu’s decision exposed dictatorial tendencies, as the president failed to address the real reasons behind the declaration of the emergency rule.

“Fubara has been decimated and neutralized. He is now a puppet of the powers that control him. A local government chairman may even wield more influence,” Idam argued.

The lawyer added that Fubara should have rejected his reinstatement to preserve his integrity and uphold democratic principles.

---

Adeyanju: “Tinubu Has Dragged Nigeria Back to the Military Era”

Prominent activist Deji Adeyanju also condemned Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara, calling it a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy.

Adeyanju argued that Tinubu, once a leading voice against military dictatorship, has ironically adopted the same authoritarian style he fought against.

“This is a sad throwback to military rule. The judiciary and opposition parties failed Nigerians by allowing this illegality to stand,” he lamented.

Adeyanju also criticized the judiciary for failing to act decisively, insisting that the courts should have nullified the suspension immediately to protect Nigeria’s democracy.

---

CUPP Welcomes Reinstatement but Condemns Emergency Rule

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) welcomed the end of the emergency but described its declaration as an unconstitutional overreach.

CUPP maintained that suspending an elected governor, deputy governor, and state assembly members over political disagreements was a direct assault on democracy.

According to the group, democracy can only thrive when the will of the people and the independence of institutions are respected.

---

Conclusion

The reinstatement of Governor Sim Fubara has further exposed the deep political divides within Nigeria. While some see Tinubu’s decision as a step toward peace, others describe it as evidence of authoritarian governance. The controversy surrounding Rivers State is a reminder of the fragile state of Nigeria’s democracy and the urgent need for stronger institutions to protect the people’s mandate.