(DDM) – An Ijaw leader from Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Timi Oluba, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for lifting the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the emergency rule, which had suspended normal governance in the oil-rich state, officially expired this week, restoring constitutional order.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers have now resumed office after months of political uncertainty and restricted democratic operations.
In a statement issued in Warri, Delta State, Chief Oluba, who also serves as Chairman of the Akpata-Gbegbe oil-producing community, congratulated Rivers residents for witnessing the end of the turbulent period.
He said the decision by President Tinubu reflected a commitment to democratic stability, national cohesion, and respect for the will of the people.
Chief Oluba also commended ex-militant leader and businessman, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his behind-the-scenes mediation role in reconciling Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
According to him, Tompolo’s intervention helped douse tensions that could have escalated into further political instability in Rivers.
Oluba stressed that peace between the executive and legislative arms was vital to unlocking development and sustaining stability in a state that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s oil revenues.
He urged political actors across divides to prioritise the delivery of democratic dividends such as infrastructure, jobs, education, and security for ordinary citizens.
Observers note that Rivers has faced recurring political crises in recent years, with bitter rivalries between governors and their predecessors destabilising governance.
The six-month emergency rule, imposed earlier in the year, followed violent protests and breakdown of order in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.
Under the emergency arrangement, the military and federal administrators temporarily took charge, curtailing both executive and legislative powers.
DDM learned that the return of Governor Fubara to Government House has been met with excitement among supporters, who recently staged mass rallies in Port Harcourt to demonstrate solidarity.
For Chief Oluba, the lessons from the episode should guide Rivers leaders toward reconciliation, peace-building, and people-centred governance.
He added that unity between Wike and Fubara was crucial for Rivers to move forward and maintain its place as a vital economic hub in the Niger Delta.
Oluba concluded by calling on Rivers communities to support their leaders while urging the federal government to sustain dialogue mechanisms that prevent political disputes from escalating into crises.
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