With six days to the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State, all eyes are on Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he prepares to return to office on September 18, 2025, following a six-month suspension imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.
This anticipated return has sparked a wave of mixed expectations from citizens, rights groups, and political observers, especially in light of the controversial tenure of Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd.), whose administration has come under intense scrutiny.
Critics accuse Ibas of overstepping constitutional boundaries by unilaterally appointing and sacking board members and parastatals actions said to be beyond the scope of his interim mandate.
His administration’s budgeting priorities also raised eyebrows, including N24 billion for CCTV, N30 billion for gunboats, and N23 billion for contingencies, even as Port Harcourt’s reputation as the “Garden City” dwindled under poor sanitation and stalled development.
The August 30 local government elections, in which the APC won 20 of 23 LGAs, were widely condemned. Civil society groups and religious leaders described the process as a democratic farce, alleging predetermined outcomes and public disengagement.
Public Figures Real Dr. Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR), described Ibas’ conduct as “one of the darkest chapters in Rivers’ democratic history.”
Apostle Eugene Ogu, former CAN and PFN chairman, questioned the legitimacy of military-led elections in a civilian context, calling for future legal redress.
Opunabo Inkor-Tariah, ex-media aide to former Governor Wike, claimed Ibas spent billions without initiating any new projects, vowing that he must account for every kobo.
With the end of emergency rule, Fubara faces the enormous task of restoring faith in governance, resuming stalled projects, and navigating the political minefield created by shifting loyalties and Abuja’s influence.
While some former loyalists have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Rotimi Amaechi, Wike’s political rival, others fear that Fubara has been politically neutered.
“There is no clarity on direction,” a rights activist noted. “The governor remains silent, leaving his supporters unsure of the next steps.”
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Rivers has demanded a probe into Ibas’ financial dealings and called for a fresh, people-focused budget to be passed by the state assembly.
Dr. Omenazu further insisted on the cancellation of the flawed LG elections, emphasizing that “Rivers people have spoken with their silence. They want justice, not manipulation.”
Political analyst Engr. Franklin Eyo urged Fubara to build “genuine peace” and focus on sustainable development and inclusive governance, stressing that fragile calm without justice would be short-lived.
As Rivers State awaits the return of democratic leadership, the question remains: Will Fubara’s return signal real change or merely a symbolic reinstatement?
Observers say only time will tell if Fubara can rise to the moment and truly reset Rivers’ political and developmental trajectory.
