Loyalists Begin Countdown to Governor Fubara’s Return as Rivers Awaits September 18

With just a month left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, loyalists of the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have declared that the countdown to his expected return has officially begun. The governor, who was suspended following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency on March 18, 2025, is widely anticipated to reclaim his office on September 18, 2025.

According to his media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, Rivers residents are eagerly waiting for Fubara’s reinstatement to continue the development projects that defined his tenure before the crisis. Speaking to Punch, Omatsogunwa stressed that the governor’s popularity and commitment to infrastructural expansion remain intact despite his absence from power.

“Expectations for the governor’s return are very high. He had been doing wonderfully well as head of the Rivers State Government. Several projects were ongoing, including the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which cuts across about six local government areas. The expectation is that these projects will be revived immediately so they don’t suffer setbacks,” Omatsogunwa said.

He listed critical infrastructure awaiting revival, including the Omoku-Elele Road, the Trans Kalabari Road, and other capital-intensive undertakings. Omatsogunwa added that Fubara would likely accelerate the pace of these works upon his return to ensure Rivers people enjoy full value from the state’s resources.

“From Monday, August 18, the countdown for the return of the most loved governor in Rivers State will begin,” he declared.

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Fubara’s Suspension and the Emergency Rule

The political storm in Rivers State reached its peak earlier this year when President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly. The drastic decision followed months of deepening hostility between Fubara and his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The prolonged conflict was marked by allegations of political sabotage, contested loyalties within the House of Assembly, and security breakdowns that threatened governance. Tinubu justified the intervention as necessary to prevent further deterioration of political order in the oil-rich state.

To stabilize the situation, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator. The administrator was tasked with restoring calm, resuscitating governance structures, and ensuring continuity of essential state projects during the emergency period.

Ibas’ Interim Stewardship

Five months into his role, Ibas has sought to present himself as a transitional caretaker rather than a replacement for elected leadership. Through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, he reiterated his commitment to vacating the position once the emergency proclamation expires.

Igbikiowubo revealed that Ibas has been touring project sites to monitor progress and ensure contractors adhere to specifications. One of the flagship projects under close supervision is the new State House of Assembly complex, which has reportedly reached an advanced stage.

“When you have a construction project ongoing and the contractor has been mobilised, there is a limit to how much you can push. You can only hope that the project proceeds apace. You can’t expect that because of an emergency situation they will cut corners to finish when the reality dictates otherwise,” Igbikiowubo explained.

He emphasized that funding for ongoing projects and other state priorities remains in focus, ensuring no major disruption occurs while elected governance is on hold.

Restoring Democratic Structures

One of the clearest indicators of Ibas’ intent to exit office on schedule is his support for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to conduct local government elections. According to him, the National Assembly has already given approval for the exercise, and budgetary provisions have been made to facilitate it.

“We are firmly committed to exiting office, which is why the National Assembly gave approval for RSIEC to proceed with the local government elections to restore democracy at that level. The budget has been approved, funding for outstanding projects is ongoing, and we remain committed to the mandate of the emergency proclamation. We are executing it to the best of our abilities,” he said.

Anticipation Ahead of September 18

Despite reassurances from the Sole Administrator, the political mood in Rivers State appears firmly tilted toward Fubara’s expected return. His loyalists argue that no unelected authority, however well-intentioned, can match the legitimacy of the mandate freely given by the people.

As September 18 draws closer, anticipation is building across Port Harcourt and beyond. For many Rivers residents, the date represents not only the end of emergency governance but also the restoration of democratic order and continuity in development.

Analysts, however, caution that the deep-seated political rift between Fubara and Wike remains unresolved and could resurface once the governor resumes office. The coming weeks are expected to be critical, as both camps weigh their strategies in anticipation of what could be a turbulent return to democratic governance in the state.

For now, one thing is certain—the countdown has begun, and Rivers people are waiting anxiously to see their suspended governor return to complete what he started.