Rivers After the Storm: Tinubu Ends Emergency Rule, But Has Peace Returned?

By Idris Jibril

Six months of extraordinary rule in Rivers State ended today as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the state of emergency. For half a year, soldiers, police, and federal directives replaced the usual noise of politics. Now, Rivers is back under “normal” democracy. But the big question is: has the storm really passed, or just been delayed?

The state of emergency was a drastic step. Rivers, Nigeria’s oil-rich crown jewel, had descended into chaos—political rivalries, violence, and lawlessness were pushing it towards a dangerous edge. Tinubu pulled the emergency brake, and for six months, power shifted from local actors to Abuja.

But here’s the hard truth: lifting the emergency doesn’t mean the crisis is over.

Politics Still on Edge

The feud among Rivers’ political heavyweights hasn’t been resolved. The silence of the last six months could easily explode into another round of battles for control. Without genuine reconciliation, Rivers may soon be back in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Institutions on Trial

With the emergency gone, the state assembly, judiciary, and local councils must now step up. Can they manage disputes, enforce law, and prevent a relapse into violence? Or will their weakness invite another federal takeover?

Economy Needs Repair

Rivers is Nigeria’s economic engine, but the crisis scared investors, crippled businesses, and slowed oil operations. If stability doesn’t return fast, jobs will vanish, and frustration will deepen among the restless youth who often become foot soldiers in political wars.

A Warning to Other States

Tinubu’s decision carries a wider message. Yes, Abuja can step in when states collapse—but that safety net is dangerous. Will other politicians push their states to the brink, expecting the President to clean up the mess? That’s a recipe for national instability.

The President’s Gamble

For Tinubu, this is a high-stakes test. He took the bold step to declare the emergency, and now, he has chosen to end it. If Rivers holds steady, he earns credit for decisive leadership. But if chaos returns, the emergency will be remembered as wasted time.

The Road Ahead

Rivers cannot afford to slip back. What it needs now is simple:

• Real dialogue among political rivals, not just empty peace talks.
• Stronger institutions that can survive beyond federal muscle.
• Jobs and development to calm the anger on the streets.

The end of the emergency rule is not the end of Rivers’ troubles. It is merely a window—one last chance for its leaders to put people before power.

Tinubu has lifted the soldiers’ boots off Rivers. It’s now up to Rivers’ politicians and citizens to prove they can stand without falling again.