The Rivers State caucus in the National Assembly has commended President Bola Tinubu for adhering to the six-month time frame of the emergency rule in the state, which ended with the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara last week.
A prolonged rift between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly had crippled executive, legislative cooperation, stalling the presentation and passage of the 2025 budget.
In response, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in March, suspending both the governor and the legislature for six months. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed to oversee the state during the period.
The suspension elapsed on September 18, 2025, paving the way for Fubara and lawmakers to return to office.
In a joint statement on Monday, Senator Bari Mpigi and House of Representatives members Dum Dekor, Kingsley Chinda, and Cyril Hart, urged both the governor and the State Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewule, to recommit to governance through cooperation.
The federal lawmakers also appealed to elders, leaders, stakeholders, and residents of Rivers State to rally around the governor and the Assembly in the discharge of their duties.
They stressed that unity among political actors and the people would be critical to consolidating peace and development after months of political turbulence.
The statement read, “We note that, though the invocation of emergency rule on March 18, 2025, elicited mixed reactions from concerned individuals, members of the caucus are happy that President Tinubu, being a democrat, has taken the right decision for the resumption of all democratic apparatus in the State.
“Indeed, this has further shown his commitment to democratic norms, peace, unity, and development of Rivers State and the entire country.
“Conscious that lessons have been learnt; experiences have been garnered, the caucus urges all stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace true peace, and genuine reconciliation for the common good of all.
“We urge our dear Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and the Martins Amaewule-led Assembly to demonstrate unfeigned commitment, anchored on openness, unity, and focus towards ensuring that they accomplish purposeful delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“Going forward, the caucus calls on our elders, leaders, stakeholders, and the people of Rivers to embrace togetherness by supporting Governor Fubara and members of the State Assembly in their resolve to work harmoniously for the interest of the state.
“In doing this, all the indigenes and lovers of Rivers State must eschew bickering, propaganda, cleavages, media hypers, and some other narrow-minded persuasions that are not necessary for the meaningful development of the state.”
The caucus further pledged its commitment to the protection of the interests of Rivers State at all times, promising to continuously work towards a harmonious and progressive relationship among all stakeholders.
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