Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member House of Assembly are preparing to return to office on September 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule is expected to lapse.
The six-month suspension of the state’s elected leadership was imposed in March after violent political clashes and deepening tensions between Fubara and former governor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Last week, the Sole Administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.), was summoned to the Presidential Villa for a closed-door session with the President. According to sources, he was directed to submit a detailed handover report covering revenues, expenditures, and projects executed under his interim administration.
Background to the Suspension
Tinubu had, on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to suspend the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers.
In his national broadcast, Tinubu said:
“No responsible President will stand by and allow the grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps… I hereby suspend the Governor of Rivers State, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.”
He then appointed Vice Admiral Ibas to manage the state “in the interest of the good people of Rivers.”
Countdown to September 18
With the deadline approaching, expectations are high that Tinubu will lift the emergency proclamation and announce the restoration of democratic governance in the state.
Sources close to the Presidency suggest that September 18 will mark the official return of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly to office — barring last-minute changes.
