The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for lifting the emergency rule earlier imposed on Rivers State, describing the action as a restoration of democratic governance in the state.
President Tinubu had invoked his powers as granted by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on the 18th of March 2025, suspending the Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy, Ngozi Odu, for six months in the first instance, and appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Bias (retd.) as the state’s Sole Administrator.
The President however announced the suspension of the rule on Wednesday, stating that from available intelligence, there was “a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding.”
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State … shall end with effect from midnight today,” he added.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike said the President’s intervention underscored his “total commitment to peace and sustenance of democracy in the country,” stressing that the swift move to declare a state of emergency in March “saved the State.”
The Minister said Tinubu’s decision to lift the suspension had restored the confidence of the people of Rivers State in his leadership, while commending the people of Rivers for their continuous support for the President.
He urged them to remain steadfast as Tinubu works to “return the country to the path of progress and development.”
Part of the statement reads, “Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for restoring democratic governance to Rivers State, by lifting the emergency rule imposed on the State.
“The Minister, who said the President has once again demonstrated his total commitment to peace and sustenance of democracy in the country, said his proactive action saved the State.
“He commended the people of the State for their belief in the President and continuous support for him in his tireless efforts to return the country to the path of progress and development.”
Calling on stakeholders in the state to put aside differences and work collectively, Wike cautioned against attempts by “fifth columnists who are always seeking to benefit from crisis,” to stoke unrest.
“From Rivers State going forward, the only news that will emanate will be of peace, progress and development,” he said.
PUNCH.
