There are strong indications that the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu will expire on September 18, 2025, clearing the way for the reinstatement of democratic governance in the state.
President Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule on March 18, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member House of Assembly amid a protracted political standoff between Fubara and his predecessor, Chief Nyesom Wike.
He appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator for an initial six-month term.
On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with Ibas, directing him to prepare and submit comprehensive handover notes two days before the September 18 deadline, Thefrontrank gathered.
According to sources, the notes are expected to detail funds inherited from the suspended governor, revenues accrued over the past six months and their sources, as well as expenditures during his stewardship.
It was gathered that Ibas made frantic efforts to secure a three-month extension of his tenure, arguing that he needed until December 2025 to consolidate his peace efforts. Under his plan, Governor Fubara would not return to office until January 2026.
Thefrontrank gathered that some Senators allegedly championed the extension bid, citing the need for Ibas to build on the August 30 local government elections and to complete ongoing projects.
These include the verification of workers across the 23 local councils, the reconstruction of the state House of Assembly complex, and the importation and installation of equipment for government parastatals.
However, Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, moved swiftly against the plan.
According to sources, Wike advised Tinubu that extending the emergency rule would undermine the president’s credibility.
This intervention is said to have influenced Tinubu’s decision to order Ibas to wrap up his assignment.
Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on Thursday for a 10-day working visit to the United Kingdom and France, is expected back about two days after the emergency rule lapses.
Speculation is rife that he will meet with Governor Fubara, currently in London with his family, to finalize arrangements for his reinstatement on September 18.
Political observers anticipate that Tinubu will formally lift the emergency rule upon his return, restoring civilian authority in Rivers.
