Wike confirms Rivers State emergency rule to expire next month

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State will officially lapse on September 18, paving the way for the resumption of legislative activities and full restoration of governance in the state.

Wike made the remarks on Saturday shortly after casting his vote in the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State following escalating political tensions that threatened to spiral into a full-blown crisis. The emergency measure, which took effect in March 2025, led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the Rivers State House of Assembly to allow for stability and reconciliation.

The extraordinary intervention was seen as a controversial but necessary step to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state.

Speaking to reporters after voting, Wike said the electoral process had been peaceful and successful, adding that the expiration of the emergency rule would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Rivers politics.

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“As far as we are concerned, this election is peaceful. People are trooping out and, at the end of the day, the election has been conducted successfully and peacefully,” Wike said.

“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job, and we will have a government at the grassroots level.”

Wike stressed that with both the state and local governments regaining their representatives, the “coast is clear” for normal governance structures to resume.

Political observers say the expiration of the emergency rule will be a crucial test for Rivers State, as stakeholders will need to rebuild trust and restore stability after months of political tension.

The local government elections, which Wike described as a peaceful success, are also expected to set the tone for a gradual return to full democratic governance in the state.