Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, will officially return to office on September 18, 2025, following the collapse of efforts to extend the six-month emergency rule in the state.
The decision emerged after a closed-door meeting last Wednesday between President Bola Tinubu and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to sources, President Tinubu directed Ibas to compile a detailed handover note covering funds inherited from Fubara, revenues generated during the emergency administration, expenditure breakdowns, and updates on ongoing projects. The document is expected to be submitted before Ibas concludes his current 10-day vacation.
This directive effectively quashed moves within the National Assembly to push for a three-month extension of the administrator’s tenure.
Supporters of the extension had cited the need to complete projects such as the reconstruction of the demolished House of Assembly complex, workers’ verification, and the installation of critical government equipment.
However, strong opposition from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, forced the plan to collapse. Both insisted that the September 18 deadline for Fubara’s return remained “sacrosanct.”
President Tinubu is now expected to make a formal announcement lifting the emergency rule on September 18, exactly six months after it was imposed to restore calm in the state’s political crisis. Set For Return As Rivers Emergency Rule Ends Sept 18
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, will officially return to office on September 18, 2025, following the collapse of efforts to extend the six-month emergency rule in the state.
The decision emerged after a closed-door meeting last Wednesday between President Bola Tinubu and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to sources, President Tinubu directed Ibas to compile a detailed handover note covering funds inherited from Fubara, revenues generated during the emergency administration, expenditure breakdowns, and updates on ongoing projects. The document is expected to be submitted before Ibas concludes his current 10-day vacation.
This directive effectively quashed moves within the National Assembly to push for a three-month extension of the administrator’s tenure.
Supporters of the extension had cited the need to complete projects such as the reconstruction of the demolished House of Assembly complex, workers’ verification, and the installation of critical government equipment.
However, strong opposition from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, forced the plan to collapse. Both insisted that the September 18 deadline for Fubara’s return remained “sacrosanct.”
President Tinubu is now expected to make a formal announcement lifting the emergency rule on September 18, exactly six months after it was imposed to restore calm in the state’s political crisis.
