With just a month remaining before the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State comes to an end, loyalists of the suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara, say they have already begun counting down to his anticipated return on September 18, 2025.
Speaking to journalists, Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said residents are eager for the governor to resume office and continue his developmental strides.
“Rivers people are excited about his return,” Omatsogunwa remarked. “He was performing excellently as governor, and many landmark projects were already in motion. The Port Harcourt Ring Road, which cuts across six local government areas, is a major example. Others include the Omoku-Elele Road, the Trans-Kalabari Road, and several more. The expectation is that once he comes back, these projects will be fast-tracked so that citizens can get full value from them. The countdown officially begins on Monday, August 18.”
It will be recalled that on March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule on Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly. The president cited the lingering conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as justification for the drastic measure.
In the interim, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator with the mandate to stabilize the state.
Also see: Rivers Government Commits to Excellence in Financial Management
Five months into his assignment, Ibas, through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo reaffirmed his readiness to leave office once the emergency period expires, but stressed the importance of sustaining the progress achieved during his tenure.
According to Igbikiowubo, Ibas has been actively inspecting project sites to ensure contractors remain on task. He said the construction of the new State House of Assembly complex had reached an advanced stage, with adequate funding allocated to ensure continuity and prevent abandonment.
“When contractors are already mobilised, there is a natural pace to the work,” Igbikiowubo explained. “What matters is that projects move steadily and meet proper standards. An emergency situation cannot be an excuse for cutting corners.”
He also noted that the federal government had approved funding for outstanding projects and backed the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed with local government elections as part of efforts to restore democracy at the grassroots.
“The budget is in place, projects are being funded, and we are fully committed to carrying out the mandate of the emergency rule faithfully,” Ibas affirmed.
