Samuel Omang
The anticipated return of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other democratic institutions appears set for September 18, 2025, after moves to extend the six-month emergency rule in the state collapsed.
Reliable sources on Sunday confirmed that during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa last Wednesday, before embarking on a 10-day vacation President Bola Tinubu directed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), to prepare a comprehensive handover note.
The documents are expected to detail funds inherited from Fubara, revenues generated during the emergency period, expenditures, and projects executed within the past six months.
This order effectively ended lobbying by certain National Assembly members for a three-month extension of Ibas’ tenure, which would have delayed Fubara’s reinstatement until January 2026. Proponents argued that Ibas needed more time to complete ongoing projects, including the reconstruction of the demolished House of Assembly Complex and the workers’ verification exercise.
However, the plan was fiercely opposed by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who has insisted that the emergency rule end as scheduled. Wike had earlier declared that the suspended governor and Assembly members were ready to resume duties by September 18, a position also supported by Rivers APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha.
With President Tinubu scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly shortly after Ibas’ vacation, observers say lifting the suspension will be seen as a democratic gesture to avoid international criticism.
“It is only morally right, as a self-styled democrat, to restore democratic institutions before facing the international community,” a Port Harcourt-based human rights activist told newsmen.
Meanwhile, Fubara, currently in London with his family, is expected back in the country soon. On his return, he will reportedly receive a list of political appointees, including commissioners, with whom he is to form a new government team.
President Tinubu had declared emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, to quell tensions between Wike and Fubara. The expected lifting of the rule on September 18 would mark exactly six months since its proclamation.