- Fubara Set for September 18 Return as Rivers Waits in Anticipation
- Sole Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas says projects are on track despite emergency rule.
- Tension remains over political stability as Rivers awaits the governor’s comeback
With one month left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, the camp of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed optimism about his anticipated return on September 18, 2025.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the governor’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said residents were eager to have Fubara resume office to continue ongoing projects, including the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which spans six local government areas.
“Expectations are very high. The governor was doing excellently before the suspension, and people believe he will accelerate key projects such as the Ring Road, the Omoku-Elele Road, and the Trans Kalabari Road to ensure they deliver maximum benefits,” Omatsogunwa said.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly. The decision followed months of political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed Sole Administrator with a mandate to stabilise the state.
Five months into the role, Ibas, through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said his focus remained on completing ongoing projects while preparing to exit office.
“We are firmly committed to handing over once the emergency proclamation lapses. Contractors have been mobilised, and projects like the new Assembly complex are progressing well. Funding for key priorities has been addressed,” Igbikiowubo said.
He added that the National Assembly had approved preparations for local government elections to restore democratic governance at the grassroots level.
As the September 18 date draws nearer, attention remains on whether Fubara will return seamlessly to office and how his administration will manage ongoing projects amid lingering political tensions.
