The celebrations that greeted Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s reinstatement in Rivers State speak to the people’s hunger for democracy and good governance.
Development Diaries reports that the state erupted in jubilation on Wednesday, 19 September, 2025, as President Bola Tinubu announced the end of a six-month emergency rule in the state.
Despite this, there is still political uncertainty, as critics have warned that he returns weakened, facing diminished authority and unresolved power struggles.
President Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State after the prolonged political standoff between the governor and lawmakers loyal to the former governor of the state and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He went on to suspend the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
Now, beyond the street celebrations lies an urgent question: what next for the people? Six months of suspended governance meant stalled projects, delayed budgets, and weakened state institutions.
The reinstatement must not end in symbolism; it must mark a return to action, where citizens begin to see tangible improvements in public services and community development.
Ultimately, celebration must translate into service delivery, and the people of Rivers cannot afford to be passive spectators in this unfolding political drama.
The responsibility lies with the people to hold Governor Fubara, the legislature, and all state institutions accountable for fulfilling their democratic mandate.
And the governor’s reinstatement provides a second chance for governance in Rivers State; so the people of the state must ensure it is not wasted on political compromises but reclaimed for the dividends of democracy they have long been denied.
Development Diaries, therefore, calls on the people of Rivers State to demand the immediate resumption of projects abandoned during the emergency rule.
Also, citizens should insist on clear timelines for the delivery of healthcare services, the recruitment of teachers, and the release of education funds.
If this does not happen, the joy over Fubara’s return will mean little because people’s everyday struggles will still be ignored.
Photo source: Sim Fubara
