The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed optimism that the state of emergency currently in place in Rivers State will expire on September 18, 2025.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State due to the political crisis involving Governor Sim Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and Wike himself. The President also suspended the governor, his deputy, and the state assembly, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator during the period.
Speaking with journalists after casting his vote in the ongoing local government elections in Rivers State, Wike noted that the situation has since stabilized. He maintained that with the expiration of the emergency rule, the state assembly is expected to resume legislative functions.
“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.
He further stated:
“I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job. We will also have a government at the grassroots level. The coast is clear for the emergency to be lifted, as both state and local government structures are in place.”
The comments by the FCT Minister signal a possible return to political normalcy in Rivers State after months of tension and uncertainty.
