By Peter Omopo
Port Harcourt, September 23, 2025 — Federal lawmakers from Rivers State have welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month state of emergency in the state, urging Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly to work together in the interest of good governance.
The emergency rule, declared in March following a bitter rift between Fubara and the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly, had suspended both the executive and legislature, stalling the presentation and passage of the 2025 budget. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to administer the state during the interim period, which lapsed on September 18.
In a joint statement signed by Senator Bari Mpigi and House of Representatives members Dum Dekor, Kingsley Chinda, and Cyril Hart, the Rivers caucus described Tinubu’s action as “a reaffirmation of his commitment to democratic norms, peace, unity, and the development of Rivers State and the nation.”
The caucus urged both arms of government in Rivers to demonstrate openness and unity to deliver democratic dividends to the people. “We urge Governor Fubara and the Martins Amaewhule-led Assembly to work harmoniously for the common good. All stakeholders must shun propaganda, divisions, and narrow interests that undermine development,” the statement read.
The lawmakers also appealed to elders, leaders, and citizens of the state to support reconciliation efforts, pledging to safeguard the state’s interests and foster progress.
