Nears End of Emergency Rule, Presidency and AGF Remain Silent

Rivers State's State of Emergency Set to End on September 18

The state of emergency declared in Rivers State is scheduled to expire on September 18, according to various reports. This development comes after a series of events and statements from key figures involved.

Kamarudeen Ogundele, an aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), declined to make a categorical statement regarding the state of emergency. However, he did mention that Governor Nyesom Wike always wants what is right to be done, implying no personal sentiment or vendetta.

The Rivers Administrator, Ibas, hailed the peaceful conduct of the local government election in Rivers State, which has provided no reason for an extension of the emergency rule, according to reports. The successful election has also been deemed free and credible by the suspended Speaker, Amaewhule.

Governor Wike himself expressed confidence that the state of emergency will end on September 18, stating that the situation in Rivers State is stable enough for normalcy to return. His ministerial aide also stated that Wike's interest is for democratic governance to be restored in the state.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation of Nigeria, officially made the decision regarding the absence of an extension of the state of emergency in Rivers State in February 2023. When contacted for clarification, a spokesperson for the President directed Sunday Punch to Fagbemi.

The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to return to office after the expiration of the state of emergency. This expectation is shared by many, including the ministerial aide who stated that democratic governance is already being restored in Rivers State.

The President declared the state of emergency in Rivers State based on powers conferred on him and in accordance with the Constitution. Despite requests for clarification, a spokesperson for the President directed Sunday Punch to Fagbemi for further information.

As the September 18 deadline approaches, the people of Rivers State await the return of democratic governance and the end of the state of emergency. The successful conduct of the local government election and the confidence expressed by key figures indicate a positive outlook for the future of the state.