With barely a month left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, allies of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara say the countdown has begun for his anticipated return to office on September 18, 2025.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said residents were eagerly awaiting the governor’s comeback to continue what he described as “remarkable work” before the suspension.
“Expectations are very high. He was delivering excellently as governor of Rivers State, with several major projects underway, including the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road spanning six local government areas,” Omatsogunwa stated.
He added that projects such as the Ring Road, Omoku–Elele Road, and Trans-Kalabari Road would be fast-tracked upon Fubara’s return to avoid delays and ensure residents get full value for their resources. “From Monday, August 18, the countdown officially begins for the return of Rivers State’s most loved governor,” he declared.
President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly due to a prolonged political feud 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 his tenure, Ibas through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo reaffirmed his commitment to hand over once the emergency period lapses. He, however, stressed the importance of completing projects initiated under his administration.
According to Igbikiowubo, Ibas has been visiting project sites to ensure contractors deliver according to specifications. He revealed that work on the new State House of Assembly complex was already at an advanced stage, with funding for other critical projects secured.
“When contractors are mobilised, there’s a natural pace to construction. You can’t expect shortcuts just because of the emergency situation,” Igbikiowubo explained.
He further noted that preparations for local government elections were underway, following National Assembly approval for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed.
“The budget has been approved, funding for outstanding projects is ongoing, and we remain dedicated to fully implementing the emergency mandate,” Ibas assured.
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