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Anxiety is rising in Rivers State as political observers suspect President Tinubu may extend the emergency rule beyond its six-month mandate. Many critics argue there’s no longer justification for it, claiming the state remains peaceful and democracy is being undermined.

  • Activists fault Tinubu’s decision: Say president was misled into declaring emergency rule.
  • Sole Administrator's role questioned: Vice Admiral Ibas accused of aggravating tensions.
  • Democratic institutions sidelined: Governor Fubara, deputy, and all House members remain suspended.
  • State budget bypasses local assembly: Tinubu submits ₦1.481 trillion budget directly to National Assembly.
  • Wike-Fubara feud deepens: Allegations that Tinubu favors Wike despite democratic mandate.

Many see the Sole Administrator’s actions, appointing loyalists, suspending local government chairmen, and reconstituting the RSIEC, as overreach. The lack of clear peace efforts and continued political tension has fueled beliefs that democracy might not return soon. Critics, including Uche Secondus and Ann-Kio Briggs, warn that the state sits on a political powder keg.

With infrastructure projects halted and local governance in limbo, Rivers residents are left in uncertainty. The coming weeks, especially Tinubu's May 29 address, will reveal whether Nigeria’s democracy in the region is truly at risk or merely delayed.