President Bola Tinubu and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are set to return to Nigeria on Tuesday (today) ahead of Rivers’ return to democratic governance on Thursday.
Tinubu will resume duties in Abuja after ending his vacation in France earlier than scheduled, while Fubara returns from London. Their comeback coincides with preparations by Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who is finalising transition activities as emergency rule draws to a close.
Tinubu had departed Nigeria on September 4 for his annual holiday in France and the United Kingdom, initially slated for 10 working days ending September 10. However, he concluded his break early. According to his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will resume official work in Abuja immediately.
During his Paris stay, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and pledged stronger cooperation in key sectors to advance prosperity and global stability.
Meanwhile, Rivers’ attention is fixed on the transition programme that will restore democracy after months of emergency rule. Ibas, who has overseen the state during the period, began the handover process on Sunday with a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt.
As part of transition events, the state government announced a public lecture for Tuesday, September 16, at the Banquet Hall of Government House. Themed ‘Democracy and Good Governance’, The lecture will feature Ibas as Special Guest of Honour, with dignitaries expected by 9:30 a.m.
Fubara’s anticipated return is also set for Tuesday. An aide to the suspended governor confirmed that although his arrival was expected Monday, “the governor will be back on Tuesday” ahead of his reinstatement slated for Thursday, September 18.
The simultaneous return of Tinubu to Abuja and Fubara to Rivers adds weight to the unfolding political transition, with stakeholders keenly observing as Ibas prepares to relinquish power after steering the state through turbulent emergency rule.
On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability, constitutional breaches, and security threats. The decision followed an emergency meeting with security and intelligence chiefs at Aso Rock Villa.
Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator. Ibas, who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was tasked with stabilising the oil-rich state.
The crisis peaked after Fubara demolished the House of Assembly complex in December 2023, sparking a prolonged legitimacy battle within the legislature. Tensions escalated when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the APC, fuelling legal disputes.
On February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled the lawmakers remained valid members of the Assembly and condemned Fubara’s actions as unconstitutional and despotic, declaring the state had collapsed into one-man rule without a functioning legislature.
Governance remained crippled as the Assembly and executive clashed, leaving the 2025 Appropriation Bill unpassed by March. A day before emergency rule was imposed, an explosion struck the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo Community, followed by another blast in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni. Tinubu linked the vandalism to militants allegedly aligned with Fubara, amid efforts to boost Nigeria’s crude output.
As September 18 approaches, the Rivers State Government will continue its transition activities. A public lecture is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Government House, with Ibas as Guest of Honour.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Ibibia Worika, announced, “The Rivers State Government is pleased to announce that as part of the transition process in the State, a Public Lecture with the theme, ‘Democracy and Good Governance.’ Invited guests are requested to be seated by 9:30 a.m.”
In a related development, the Rivers State High Court dismissed a suit by lawyer William Abayomi against President Tinubu and Ibas over the August 30 local government elections. The suit also targeted the RSIEC, its chairman, and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Justice Stephen Jumbo ruled the court lacked jurisdiction, noting only the Supreme Court could hear such matters under emergency rule. He also declared Abayomi lacked locus standi, as he failed to prove personal rights had been violated.
The judge further upheld the legitimacy of the council election, stating it was conducted by RSIEC and not by the governor or administrator.
Counsel to the claimant, Godsent Elewa, said he would consult his client on the possibility of an appeal. “The judge in his wisdom has given judgment. I will communicate with my client to know the next line of action because there is a window to challenge the ruling,” Elewa stated.
On his part, PDP counsel Monday John-Otokkwala said, “The judgment just delivered by my Lord represents the position of Law with respect to the conduct of the local government elections in Rivers State. The judge has said that he (claimant) has no locus standi to have brought. He is not a party who wanted to contest the election and so he has no interest whatsoever in bringing this action.”
