Rivers State Awaits Suspended Governor Fubara’s Return as Emergency Rule Nears End

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

With just one month left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, the camp of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has begun an official countdown to his anticipated return on September 18, 2025.

Governor Fubara, who was suspended alongside his deputy and members of the State House of Assembly following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, is expected to resume office amid heightened anticipation from supporters and residents of the oil-rich state.

High Expectations for Fubara’s Comeback

Speaking to The PUNCH, Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the people of Rivers were eager for the governor’s reinstatement, describing him as “the most loved governor in Rivers State.”

“Expectations for the governor’s return are very high. He had been doing wonderfully well as head of the Rivers State Government. Several projects were ongoing, including the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which cuts across about six local government areas,” Omatsogunwa said.

He listed other major projects expected to regain momentum upon Fubara’s return, including the Omoku–Elele Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and other strategic infrastructure works. According to him, the governor will likely accelerate the pace of these initiatives to ensure citizens fully benefit from their tax contributions.

“From Monday, August 18, the countdown for the return of the most loved governor in Rivers State will begin,” Omatsogunwa added.

Tinubu’s Emergency Proclamation

President Tinubu’s emergency intervention followed months of political turmoil triggered by a bitter rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The prolonged standoff, marked by parallel legislative sittings, court battles, and violent confrontations, was deemed a major threat to governance and stability in Rivers.

To manage the crisis, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, with a mandate to stabilise the political environment and keep government running smoothly.

Ibas Defends Interim Role

Five months into his tenure, Admiral Ibas—through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo—stressed that he remained committed to exiting once the emergency rule lapses, while also ensuring ongoing projects remain on track.

“When you have a construction project ongoing and the contractor has been mobilised, there is a limit to how much you can push. You can only hope that the project proceeds apace. You can’t expect that because of an emergency situation they will cut corners to finish when the reality dictates otherwise,” Igbikiowubo said.

On the new State House of Assembly complex, he disclosed that construction had reached an advanced stage, while funding for other state projects was also being addressed. He reaffirmed the administrator’s commitment to the budget implementation process and to leaving behind a stable system.

He also noted that the National Assembly had approved the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct local government elections, a move he described as crucial to restoring grassroots democracy before the transition back to civilian leadership.

Political Stakes Ahead

Analysts say Fubara’s return will mark a defining moment for Rivers State politics, as questions linger over whether the governor will reconcile with his estranged political benefactor, Wike, or pursue a more independent path. His reinstatement also coincides with mounting pressure to deliver on infrastructure, youth empowerment, and economic diversification, issues that were put on hold during the emergency rule.

For residents of Rivers, the next four weeks will be watched with keen interest, as the state prepares for the return of an embattled leader whose popularity remains strong among his supporters, but whose political challenges may yet resurface.

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