The decision of President Bola Tinubu to reinstate Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State after six months of emergency rule has sparked sharp reactions from political leaders and activists across the country.

Recall that on March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, and the entire State House of Assembly. A sole administrator, Ibok Ibas, was appointed to run the state during the suspension.

On Wednesday, however, Tinubu lifted the emergency order, announcing that the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers would resume office on September 18, 2025.

While some hailed the move, others condemned it as a dangerous precedent.

Wike Hails Tinubu
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, praised Tinubu for restoring democratic governance to Rivers, saying the president had once again shown his commitment to peace and stability. He urged stakeholders to work together for the progress of the state, warning troublemakers to stay away.

Atiku: This is Illegal
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through his media aide Paul Ibe, faulted the suspension and reinstatement, describing it as “illegal and unconstitutional.” He argued that the president has no power to suspend an elected governor, stressing that such actions weaken democracy and coerce opposition into the ruling party.

Lawyer Idam: Fubara Reduced to a Puppet
Human rights lawyer Maduabuchi Idam criticized the move as a political hatchet job, claiming Fubara had been “decimated and neutralized” by his suspension. According to him, the governor now risks being reduced to a mere puppet under external influence.

Adeyanju: Tinubu Dragging Nigeria Back to Military Era
Activist Deji Adeyanju also slammed Tinubu, accusing him of dragging Nigeria back to the “era of military rule” by exercising powers outside the constitution. He blamed both the judiciary and opposition parties for failing to challenge the action, calling it a betrayal of democratic principles.

CUPP: Welcome End, But Bad Precedent
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) welcomed the end of the state of emergency but condemned its declaration in the first place, labeling it a direct assault on democracy. The group insisted that disputes should be resolved through democratic processes, not arbitrary suspensions.

As Rivers State returns to civilian governance, the controversy over Tinubu’s actions continues to raise questions about the limits of presidential power and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.