Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has returned to Port Harcourt, the state capital, after a six-month absence. He arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 12:19 p.m., a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency in the state. Fubara was greeted by a crowd of supporters who had gathered at the VIP wing of the airport.
The governor’s return comes after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, citing a political crisis. During this period, Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were unable to govern the state. Retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state and handed over power on Wednesday night.
The political crisis in Rivers State began months after Fubara’s inauguration as governor in May 2023. He fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of the state. The dispute led to a division in the House of Assembly, with Speaker Martin Amaewhule caught in the middle.
In June 2025, President Tinubu met with Fubara, Wike, and other stakeholders, signaling a possible reconciliation. Despite criticisms, the sole administrator, Ibas, inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, leading to the conduct of local government elections on August 30. The All Progressives Congress won in 20 councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party won in three local government areas.
Fubara’s return to the state is seen as a significant development in the political landscape of Rivers State. The House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, but Fubara did not attend, despite the presence of hundreds of supporters at the Government House. However, his predecessor, Wike, stated that Fubara was not compelled by law to resume on Thursday.
The end of the state of emergency and Fubara’s return to power may mark a new beginning for the state. As the governor settles back into his role, he will face the task of rebuilding and moving the state forward. The international community will be watching closely as Rivers State navigates this critical period in its history.
