Tension In Rivers: Silence From Presidency, AGF Fuels Uncertainty As Emergency Rule Deadline Looms

As Rivers State residents await the September 18 expiration of the emergency rule, anticipation is mounting over the possible reinstatement of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to sources who spoke with Sunday Punch, the peaceful and successful conduct of the local government elections has strengthened arguments against extending the emergency rule.

A senior ministerial aide confirmed this, stressing that democratic governance was already being restored in the state.

He said, “The emergency rule will end on September 18 and, given the smooth conduct of the local government election, I see no justification for any extension. Wike’s only concern is ensuring that democratic governance is restored, and that process is already underway. There’s no element of personal sentiment or vendetta.”

When asked for clarification, a presidential spokesperson referred Sunday Punch to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

However, Fagbemi’s aide, Kamarudeen Ogundele, declined to confirm the government’s stance, urging Nigerians to wait until the expiration date.

“The President acted within his constitutional powers to declare the state of emergency. Let us wait until the official expiration. There is no need for speculation,” Ogundele said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, voiced optimism that the emergency rule will indeed end on September 18.

Speaking after casting his vote in the local government elections, Wike maintained that stability had returned to the state, paving the way for normal governance to resume.