Rivers State stakeholders have shared sharply contrasting views on the six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2024.
The president suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibom-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator.
Some politicians and residents said Ibas brought peace and stability by calming political tensions, swearing in council officials, and conducting local government elections.
They argued that his leadership reduced hostilities and restored order at a critical moment.
Others disagreed, insisting that the rule denied citizens their elected leadership, ignored pressing welfare needs, and stalled infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Kalabari Road.
Rights advocates and activists further criticised Ibas for failing to investigate repeated pipeline explosions in Bodo and Bonny, which they said continued to paint the state as unsafe.
Tinubu explained that he declared the emergency to end the feud between Fubara and his political godfather, Minister Nyesom Wike, over control of state resources.
Observers also noted that insecurity from crude oil pipeline incidents added pressure on the presidency to intervene.
The emergency rule lasted until September 18, 2024, with government officials announcing Thanksgiving services and other transition activities to prepare for the return of democratic governance.
As Rivers prepared for Fubara’s reinstatement, stakeholders called for compromise, unity, and stronger security measures to preserve peace.
Many urged politicians and the media to act responsibly to avoid another round of crisis, while others stressed that development must remain people-centered rather than driven by political rivalry.