Rivers State, Nigeria, found itself in a state of political turmoil following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025. Amidst renewed protests by Fubara’s supporters demanding his reinstatement, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), appointed as the Sole Administrator of the state, embarked on a mission to restore peace and stability. Recognizing the influential role of the church in shaping societal values, Ibas engaged with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Rivers State, seeking their support in fostering reconciliation and unity. The meeting underscored the administrator’s commitment to inclusive governance and collaborative efforts in navigating the political crisis.
Ibas’s meeting with CAN highlighted the importance of dialogue and partnership in addressing the unrest. He briefed the religious leaders on his mandate, which focused on restoring law and order, stabilizing the political landscape, and paving the way for a return to democratic governance. Emphasizing the church’s moral authority and its capacity to influence public opinion, Ibas urged CAN to actively promote peace, unity, and forgiveness among the people of Rivers State. He called on the church to bridge ethnic and political divides, encouraging a spirit of reconciliation and understanding in the face of ongoing tensions. Ibas assured the religious leaders of his commitment to a people-centered administration grounded in justice and equity, emphasizing that lasting peace required collective action and open communication.
The CAN leadership, led by Most Reverend Dr. D.E. Kala-Dukubo, responded positively to Ibas’s appeal, pledging their support for peace-building initiatives and offering their involvement in the reconciliation process. They advised the administrator to prioritize key areas of governance, including environmental sanitation, during the period of emergency rule. Furthermore, CAN expressed concerns about the spread of misinformation portraying Rivers State as a conflict zone, highlighting the negative impact such narratives could have on potential investors and visitors. This interaction demonstrated the potential for collaborative efforts between the state administration and religious leaders in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Rivers State.
While Ibas sought avenues for reconciliation, pro-Fubara demonstrations continued to escalate. Supporters of the suspended governor took to the streets of Port Harcourt for the second consecutive week, demanding his reinstatement and protesting against the emergency rule imposed by President Tinubu. Organized by the Port Harcourt Township United Pressure Group, the protestors marched through the city, carrying placards expressing their unwavering support for Fubara and their belief in his leadership. They argued that the President had been misinformed about the true situation in Rivers State and urged him to reconsider the emergency rule.
The protestors, led by Prince John Tamunokuro, President of the Port Harcourt Township United Pressure Group, contended that Rivers State was peaceful and did not warrant the imposition of emergency rule, citing Ibas’s own assessment of the situation upon assuming office. They further argued that the emergency rule was a politically motivated maneuver driven by a desire to control the state. Tamunokuro challenged the Attorney-General of the Federation’s justification for the emergency rule, which cited “open killings and political violence,” comparing Rivers State to other states facing prolonged crises where emergency rule had not been implemented. He questioned the selective application of emergency powers, suggesting a political agenda behind the decision.
In an attempt to appeal to President Tinubu’s sense of compassion and reconciliation, particularly during the Easter season, the protestors made a surprising declaration of support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition in 2027. They asserted that Fubara enjoyed widespread support in Rivers State and that his leadership would be beneficial for Tinubu’s re-election bid. This tactical move aimed to demonstrate loyalty to the President while simultaneously advocating for the reinstatement of their chosen governor. The situation in Rivers State remained tense, with the administrator striving for peace and stability while pro-Fubara protests persisted, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
