Tinubu, Fubara Return as Rivers State Awaits Restoration of Democracy

Nigeria braces for a significant political milestone this week as President Bola Tinubu and suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara return to the country today (Tuesday), just two days before the reinstatement of democratic governance in Rivers. Their comeback marks the closing chapter of a turbulent six-month period that placed the oil-rich state under emergency rule.

President Tinubu, who left Nigeria on September 4 for his annual holiday in France and the United Kingdom, was originally scheduled to be away for 10 working days. However, his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Monday that the President had decided to cut his vacation short and would resume work in Abuja immediately upon his return.

During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace. Both leaders reportedly reviewed bilateral ties and pledged to deepen cooperation in energy, security, and trade—sectors central to Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.

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Fubara’s Anticipated Return

Simultaneously, suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara is also expected back in the country today. His aide confirmed to Punch that while his return had initially been slated for Monday, travel adjustments shifted his arrival to Tuesday.

“Governor Fubara will be back on Tuesday ahead of his reinstatement on September 18,” the aide said.

Fubara’s return comes just days before his scheduled reinstatement to office, coinciding with the formal winding down of emergency rule that has been in effect since March.

Six Months of Emergency Rule

On March 18, 2025, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers following months of political instability, constitutional breaches, and a wave of security threats that left the state on edge. The emergency decision was reached after an urgent meeting with security and intelligence chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In response, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who previously served as Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021, as Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Ibas was tasked with stabilizing the volatile political atmosphere and managing the state’s affairs during the emergency period.

Over the past six months, Ibas has presided over the administration, implementing measures to restore order and maintain governance in the absence of an elected executive. His interim leadership is now approaching its end as the state transitions back to democratic rule.

Transition Activities in Full Swing

Preparations for the handover are already in motion. On Sunday, Vice Admiral Ibas led a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt to mark the beginning of transition activities. The event, attended by state officials, religious leaders, and community representatives, was seen as a symbolic gesture of closure for the emergency rule era.

As part of the official programme leading to Thursday’s handover, the Rivers State Government will today host a public lecture themed “Democracy and Good Governance” at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt. The event is expected to draw a wide range of dignitaries, with seating arrangements scheduled to begin by 9:30 a.m.

Vice Admiral Ibas will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the lecture, underscoring his role as a central figure in the transitional process.

The Road to Reinstatement

Governor Fubara’s suspension earlier this year stemmed from escalating political crises that had engulfed Rivers. Tensions between rival political factions spiraled into protests, violent clashes, and breakdowns in constitutional order, ultimately prompting Tinubu to intervene through emergency powers.

The governor’s reinstatement on September 18 will therefore symbolize not only his return to office but also a renewed opportunity for Rivers to resume democratic governance. Analysts say the coming days will test Fubara’s ability to navigate the divisions that led to his suspension and determine whether his administration can restore stability in a state often described as Nigeria’s political tinderbox.

Tinubu’s Broader Political Balancing Act

For Tinubu, cutting short his vacation sends a message of urgency as he seeks to oversee Rivers’ return to democratic order. His government has faced criticism over the handling of the crisis, with some opposition figures questioning the constitutionality of the emergency declaration.

Nonetheless, Tinubu’s return is expected to reassure stakeholders that the federal government is committed to ensuring a smooth transition in Rivers. His luncheon with Macron during his time abroad also adds an international dimension to his political balancing act, as Nigeria looks to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with key allies while managing pressing domestic challenges.

What to Expect on Thursday

The reinstatement ceremony scheduled for Thursday will be closely watched nationwide. Fubara is expected to address Rivers residents and outline his priorities for stabilizing the state, rebuilding institutions, and fostering reconciliation.

Observers note that the handover will mark a delicate moment: while many Rivers citizens welcome the return of democratic governance, the deep-rooted political rivalries that fueled the crisis remain unresolved. Fubara’s ability to engage stakeholders inclusively and avoid further clashes will be critical to the long-term peace of the state.

As both President Tinubu and Governor Fubara return home today, all eyes turn to Rivers State, where the restoration of democracy on Thursday will serve as both a symbolic and practical test of Nigeria’s resilience in confronting political crises.