Exit Looms for Ibas, Fubara’s Return Nears in Rivers State

Rivers State is preparing for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly as the six-month state of emergency winds down. With less than two weeks to the September 18 expiration date, the state’s sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, is finalising his exit report and winding up activities.

Concerns that Ibas might seek an extension of his tenure have been dismissed by his aides and sources at Government House Port Harcourt. Ibas himself hinted that the successful conduct of the local government elections signaled readiness for a return to full democratic governance. He described the polls as “a foundational tier of democracy” and swore in all newly elected council chairmen soon after results were announced.

His remarks were echoed by Federal Capital Territory Minister and former governor of Rivers, Nyesom Wike, who said the state was only a step away from resuming normal governance. He confirmed that Fubara and other suspended officials would return to their duties once the emergency rule lapses.

Ibas, who met President Bola Tinubu in Abuja earlier this week, has focused on stabilising state institutions ahead of the transition. He supervised the reconstruction of the demolished State Assembly complex, urging contractors to complete the project urgently, and inaugurated nine key boards, including the state’s education, health, revenue and waste management agencies.

Reactions from stakeholders in Rivers have been largely hopeful. Women’s groups prayed for peace and restoration of democratic rule, while the state chapter of the APC declared readiness to work with Fubara after his return, albeit with room for constructive criticism. PDP chieftain Ogbonna Nwuke dismissed suggestions that the governor would come back weakened, insisting Fubara would fully resume his constitutional responsibilities.

The emergency was imposed by President Tinubu on March 18 after months of fierce political conflict between Fubara and his predecessor Wike, which split the state assembly and paralysed governance. A peace meeting convened by the President three months later brought both men and their allies to the table, setting the stage for reconciliation and the planned restoration of democratic institutions.

As September 18 approaches, Rivers residents are waiting for the end of emergency rule and the return of their elected leaders, hopeful that the crisis that gripped the state has finally given way to stability.