By Odinakachi Celestine
The announcement by President Bola Tinubu ending the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State has sparked mixed reactions among residents.
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. With Thursday’s declaration, the governor and other elected officials have now been reinstated.
Some residents faulted the initial proclamation, arguing that Rivers State should not have been placed under emergency rule. They maintained that the President had no constitutional authority to suspend an elected governor, stressing that genuine peace can only be achieved if political actors act with sincerity and put the people’s interests first.
Others, however, welcomed the development, describing it as a relief and an opportunity to restore normalcy in governance. They expressed optimism that the reinstatement of Governor Fubara and other officials would usher in a fresh start after months of political tension and disruptions to state activities.
Commenting further, residents noted that the political rivalry between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was a major driver of the crisis. They, however, expressed hope that recent reports of improved understanding between both leaders would pave the way for stability, effective governance, and renewed focus on development in Rivers State.
