Rivers Emergency Rule Expires: Politicians Demand Return to

A former member of the House of Representatives, Ogbonna Nwuke, and an aide to suspended Rivers State Governor Jerry Omatsogunwa have expressed optimism over the return of Siminalayi Fubara to office, while warning against attempts to extend the state’s emergency rule.

Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt ahead of the September 18 expiry of the emergency rule, Nwuke, who represented Etche/Omuma Constituency and previously served as Commissioner for Information and Communications, said it is time for democratic institutions to be fully restored in Rivers State.

He expressed concern that “some anti-democratic forces are already flying kites to overheat the polity and push for an extension of the emergency rule.”

Nwuke said, “I am a Nigerian, and I believe in due process. There is no way an emergency rule can replace civil rule. Its tenure is coming to an end, and what is reasonable now is the return to proper democracy.”

“For the past five months, Rivers’ people have not enjoyed democracy. Projects have stalled, and the current administration cannot even maintain basic cleanliness in the state. We hope democratic institutions, including the office of the Governor, will be restored without delay.”

He added, “There is no reason to fear. The President had initially announced a six-month emergency rule, but the circumstances that necessitated it no longer exist. What we should expect now is the restoration of democratic governance.”

Echoing Nwuke, Omatsogunwa said the government is ready for the transition.

“With the successful completion of the local government elections, the path is clear for democracy to return to Rivers State. We expect the Governor to resume office and continue the good work he started. He is a man of the people, and his people know and trust him. For now, the priority is maintaining peace in the state.”