As Rivers residents look forward to the expiration of the state of emergency on September 18, expectations are high that suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will return to office.
Sources told Sunday Punch that the successful conduct of the local government election appeared to provide no reason for an extension of the emergency rule.
A ministerial aide, who spoke to Punch, insisted that democratic governance was already being restored in the state.
He said, “The emergency rule will expire on September 18 and, from what I know and the conduct of the local government election, there is no reason to extend the emergency rule.
“Wike’s interest is for democratic governance to be restored, and that is being done. He always wants what is right to be done. There is no personal sentiment or vendetta.”
When contacted for clarification, one of the spokespersons for the President directed Sunday Punch to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Fagbemi’s aide, Kamarudeen Ogundele, declined to make a categorical statement, urging patience until the emergency rule formally lapses.
“The President declared the state of emergency based on the powers conferred on him, and in accordance with the Constitution. Wait until that time. There is no need for speculation,” Ogundele said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the state of emergency in Rivers will end on September 18.
Speaking to journalists after casting his vote in the local government election, Wike said the situation in the state was stable enough for normalcy to return.
