President Bola Tinubu has directed the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), to prepare a handover report as the state gears up for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly on September 18, 2025.
The order, which came during a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa last week, effectively ended attempts by some lawmakers to extend Ibas’ six-month emergency rule by an additional three months.
End of Emergency Rule
Tinubu’s directive requires Ibas to account for funds inherited from Fubara, revenue generated during the emergency period, expenditures, and all projects executed since March 18, when the emergency administration was imposed to quell political tensions in the state.
Lawmakers pushing for an extension had argued that Ibas should remain in office until December to complete the reconstruction of the state Assembly complex, conclude workers’ verification, and install sensitive government equipment. If successful, their plan would have delayed Fubara’s return until January 2026.
However, strong resistance from Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, ensured that the September deadline remained unchanged.
Political Stakes
Wike, a key player in the state’s politics, had insisted that the suspended officials were prepared to resume governance after the August 30 local government elections. Okocha reinforced this position, affirming that September 18 was “non-negotiable.”
A presidency source disclosed that Ibas must complete and submit his report before proceeding on vacation, after which Tinubu is expected to make a formal pronouncement lifting the emergency rule.
Democratic Pressure
A Port Harcourt-based human rights activist described the decision as a test of Tinubu’s democratic credentials. “The President is preparing for the UN General Assembly in New York, where he will face advanced democracies and civil society scrutiny. Restoring democratic institutions in Rivers State is the right step to avoid international backlash,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fubara, who has been in London with his family, is expected back in Nigeria soon. Upon resumption, he will be tasked with assembling a new cabinet of commissioners and political appointees.
APC Gains Ground
In a separate development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured victory in the chairmanship election in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, Fubara’s home council. Barrister James A. James, the APC candidate, was declared winner by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
The development signals a challenging political atmosphere for Fubara as he prepares to return to office.
