On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu resumed duties in Rivers State following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but Fubara’s absence from Government House led to disappointment among supporters who waited over 12 hours, as reported by Vanguard and Punch (Web:0, Web:5). Sources indicated Fubara was in Abuja consulting stakeholders on post-emergency governance, while FCT Minister Nyesom Wike confirmed speaking with him, assuring readiness to return (Web:0, Web:3). Former Sole Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) handed over power, urging support for Fubara and warning against future crises (Web:0, Web:4).
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaehwule, resumed sitting and urged Fubara to submit a list of commissioner-nominees, an appropriation bill for the year’s remainder, and details on emergency rule expenditures (Web:0, Web:2). In a motion by Majority Leader Major Jack, the Assembly set a legislative agenda, emphasizing constitutional compliance and peace (Web:0). Supporters from 23 local governments thronged Government House from 7 a.m., but dispersed by 7 p.m. without Fubara’s appearance, expressing frustration but optimism for development (Web:0). The Rivers State Elders Council, chaired by Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, called for unity to avoid recurrence (Web:0).
PDP leaders, including Deputy National Legal Adviser Okechukwu Osuoha and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, demanded Fubara investigate the emergency rule and resist APC defection, stressing loyalty to PDP (Web:0). Coalition of United Political Parties’ Chief Peter Ameh called Fubara a “conquered man,” warning of APC influence (Web:0). APGA’s Chief Chekwas Okorie and commentator Israel Edache criticized the rule as unconstitutional godfatherism (Web:0). Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi labeled it a “misstep” and “dictatorship,” urging lessons learned (Web:0). ADC’s Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi accused Tinubu of federal overreach (Web:0).
Wike, in a Channels TV interview, stated he had forgiven Fubara and reconciliation occurred, but it was “too early” to support his second term (Web:0). X posts from @RiversStateGov (September 17, 2025) anticipated Fubara’s return, while @Naija_Activist noted 71% public support for ending the rule but skepticism over reconciliation (Afrobarometer, 2025) (Post:3). The resumption signals fragile peace, with Fubara’s return expected soon (Web:0).
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