By Sylvester Ekpenyong
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an end to the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, directing the state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd.), to prepare and submit a detailed handover note ahead of the September 18, 2025, reinstatement of democratic governance.
The directive clears the path for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the 32-member House of Assembly, who were displaced following the political crisis that led to the emergency rule earlier this year.
According to sources familiar with the development, Tinubu’s decision followed a closed-door meeting with Ibas at the Presidential Villa. The President specifically instructed that the handover report must include a full account of all financial transactions during the interim administration—covering inherited funds, accrued revenues, and expenditures, with a breakdown of how monies were allocated to various projects.
The order effectively shuts down a last-minute push by certain National Assembly factions seeking to extend the emergency administration until December. Proponents of the extension had argued that Ibas should be allowed to complete key projects, including the reconstruction of the House of Assembly Complex and an ongoing workers’ verification exercise.
However, strong opposition reportedly came from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who insisted that Rivers’ democratic institutions must be restored without delay.
Governor Fubara, who is said to be in London, is expected to return shortly. Upon resumption, he will reportedly be presented with a fresh list of political appointees to form his cabinet.
