Fubara Set for September Return as Tinubu Orders Ibas to Prepare Handover Notes
The bid to extend emergency rule in Rivers State has collapsed, paving the way for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly on September 18, 2025.
This follows a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa last Wednesday between President Bola Tinubu and the state’s Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas. Sources disclosed that the President directed Ibas to submit a comprehensive handover report before the end of his 10-day vacation.
The report is expected to cover funds inherited from Fubara, revenues generated during the six-month emergency rule, expenditures, and the projects executed with full details.
The order effectively ended behind-the-scenes efforts by some lawmakers to secure a three-month extension of emergency rule, which would have allowed Ibas to remain in office until December. Proponents of the extension argued that it would enable him to complete projects such as the reconstruction of the Assembly complex, workers’ verification, and the installation of sensitive equipment in government institutions.
However, strong opposition—led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike—ensured the plan was shelved. Wike, who has repeatedly insisted on Fubara’s return, declared during the August 30 local government election that the governor and Assembly members were ready to resume office. The state APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, also confirmed that September 18 remained “sacrosanct.”
Sources say President Tinubu is likely to announce the lifting of the emergency rule on that date, which marks exactly six months since it was declared to calm tensions between Wike and Fubara.
A Port Harcourt-based human rights activist argued that restoring democratic institutions before Tinubu departs for the United Nations General Assembly in New York would help Nigeria avoid criticism from the international community.
Meanwhile, Fubara, who has been in London with his family, is expected to return soon to resume duties. Upon his comeback, he will reportedly be presented with a list of commissioners and political appointees to work with.
