As the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State nears its expiration, supporters of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara are eagerly anticipating his return from London. Close aides confirmed to Punch that Fubara, who traveled to the UK following a notable reconciliation with his political mentor, Nyesom Wike, has yet to come back to Nigeria.
Fubara, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was absent during the local government elections on August 30, where the PDP faced significant losses to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC secured victories in 20 of the 23 local government areas, while the PDP managed to win only three.
On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing “prolonged political instability, constitutional breaches, and rising security threats.” He appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.), a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator.
President Tinubu remarked that the political crisis in Rivers had paralyzed governance in the oil-rich state, necessitating emergency intervention to restore order. The situation escalated in December 2023 when Fubara ordered the demolition of the state’s House of Assembly complex, leading to further turmoil after 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the lawmakers’ status, condemning Fubara’s actions as “unconstitutional and despotic,” warning that Rivers had “collapsed into one-man rule.” This deadlock left the state without an Appropriation Bill as of March, exacerbating governance issues.
Prior to the emergency declaration, explosions occurred at the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo and a pipeline manifold in Omwawriwa, with President Tinubu alleging that militants sympathetic to Fubara were responsible for the attacks, which threatened federal oil production efforts.
Despite speculation regarding a possible extension of the emergency rule, many in Rivers are preparing for Fubara’s reinstatement. Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, expressed that there is “excitement in the air,” although no formal reception plans have been made. He stated, “Rivers people are excited… they are waiting for him to come back and continue from where he stopped.”
Media aide to the State Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo, denied reports of an emergency rule extension, affirming that Ibas will conclude his six-month tenure and is committed to completing ongoing projects.
Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Rivers State, expressed anticipation for Fubara’s return, calling him “worker-friendly.” He emphasized that the Congress will welcome Fubara back and continue to work towards the welfare of workers and the broader Rivers community.
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