Rivers Awaits Fubara’s Return as Emergency Rule Ends, Ibas’ Legacy Sparks Debate

With just six days left before the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, Rivers State is preparing for the return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member House of Assembly.

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike recently hinted that following the August 30 local government elections, the coast was clear for Fubara’s reinstatement. His return will mark him as the third governor since 1999 to be ousted and restored after emergency rule—following Plateau’s Joshua Dariye (2004) and Ekiti’s Ayodele Fayose (2006).

Ibas’ Controversial Tenure
Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd.), who served as sole administrator during the emergency, leaves behind a divisive legacy. Critics accused him of overstepping his mandate by sacking and appointing board members and spending heavily on security-related projects. He allocated ₦24 billion for CCTV, ₦30 billion for gunboats, and ₦23 billion for contingencies, while Port Harcourt, once known as the “Garden City,” slid into decline.

His supervision of the August 30 local government elections, in which the APC won 20 councils and the PDP three, has drawn strong criticism. Dr. Jackson Omenazu of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights called it “one of the darkest chapters in Rivers democratic history,” describing it as a “charade” with predetermined outcomes.

Religious leaders also voiced disapproval. Apostle Eugene Ogu, former CAN and PFN chairman, said: “Is there any project going on in Rivers State? Everything is stalled because there is no government. Whatever they did in Rivers State, the court must reverse it someday.”

Former aide to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, accused Ibas of mismanaging billions of naira: “Vice Admiral Ibas will account for every kobo he collected from federal allocation and IGR.”

Expectations for Fubara
Despite the controversies, expectations are high for Fubara’s return. Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) chairman Sunny Dada urged him to probe Ibas’ administration and discard the emergency budget: “Rivers people deserve to know how their resources were spent under Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas.”

Rights activists and political commentators stressed the need for peace, accountability, and genuine governance. Dr. Omenazu argued: “Peace without justice is disguised violence… Governor Fubara must prove his return is not a mere restoration of office but a turning point.”

Political analyst Engr. Franklin Eyo added: “The overriding aspiration is to convert the current fragile peace into sustained democratic progress.”

As September 18 approaches, Rivers residents remain divided—some hopeful for renewal, others doubtful about Fubara’s autonomy amid the influence of Abuja power brokers. For many, the key question is whether his return will restore true democratic governance or merely extend the state’s political tensions.