As Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, prepares to return to the Government House, Port Harcourt, on September 18, uncertainty hangs over his political future.
Fubara has been out of office since March 18, 2025, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state following rising political tensions and alleged militant attacks on oil installations.
The governor’s suspension and the political reconciliation with his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, have reshaped the state’s political landscape. According to reports, both men’s grassroots movements — “Simplified Family” (pro-Fubara) and “Wikematics” (pro-Wike) — have been formally dissolved, leaving Fubara without a solid political base as he returns.
No Extension of Emergency Rule – State Administrator
Speculations about an extension of the emergency rule were dismissed by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the State Administrator.
Speaking through his aide, Hector Igbikiowubo, Ibas clarified that he remains committed to handing over power once his tenure ends.
“When you have ongoing projects, there’s a limit to how much you can push. You can only hope they proceed as planned. We are not cutting corners because of an emergency,” he said.
Igbikiowubo further pointed to the recently conducted local government elections as proof of the administration’s intent to restore democratic governance at the grassroots.
“We are firmly committed to exiting office, which is why the National Assembly approved RSIEC to conduct the LG polls. This shows our resolve to return Rivers to democracy,” he added.
The situation leaves questions over Fubara’s ability to reclaim full political control in Rivers State as he resumes office amid power tussles, weakened grassroots support, and ongoing instability.
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