Move to Extend Emergency Rule in Rivers Collapses as Ibas Gets Handover Notes

Plans to extend the emergency rule in Rivers State have reportedly collapsed following a closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), the state’s Sole Administrator. Sources say the meeting at the Presidential Villa last Wednesday set the stage for the possible return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the 32-member House of Assembly on September 18th 
According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper, the sources revealed that President Tinubu instructed Ibas to submit detailed handover notes covering his six-month stewardship, including funds inherited from Fubara, revenues accrued during his tenure, expenditures, and the specific projects financed. The submission is expected before the end of Ibas’ 10-day vacation.

The development effectively ended efforts by some powerful actors in the National Assembly to secure a three-month extension for Ibas. Proponents argued that the extra period would allow completion of ongoing projects such as the reconstruction of the House of Assembly Complex, workers verification exercises, and the installation of sensitive equipment in government institutions. Had the extension succeeded, democratic institutions in Rivers would have remained suspended until January 2026.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reportedly opposed to the backdoor scheme, has pushed for lifting the emergency rule promptly on September 18. Lagos-based political observers note that Fubara, currently in London with his family, is expected to return soon and be handed a list of political appointees, including commissioners he will work with.

A Port Harcourt-based human rights activist emphasized the moral imperative of restoring democratic institutions before President Tinubu’s upcoming trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, noting that prompt action would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to democratic norms on the international stage.

With the handover process underway, the September 18 timeline appears on track, signaling the imminent restoration of Rivers State’s civilian leadership and the return of its democratic institutions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF OLD BENDE STAKEHOLDERS.

Image
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF OLD BENDE STAKEHOLDERS The people of Old Bende region made up of 9 LGAS in Abia State under the aegis of the Old Bende Progressive Union, after a solidarity and courtesy visit to the member representing the Aba North & South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, today, Monday 28, 2025, unanimously resolved as follows: 1) We, the stakeholders of Old Bende of Abia State have taken note of the developmental strides and democratic gains Abia state has made since May 29, 2023 when Dr. Alex Otti was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Abia State.  2) The Governor has since his emergence justified the trust we reposed on him by embarking on transformational projects like the Abia International Airport, the Abia Seaport, the Abia Stadium City, Abia Industrial Park among others. These projects have in no small measure placed Abia on the map as one of the...
Read more

ABIA ARISE EXCO STORMS ASA-NNENTU ALAOJI MARKET TUESDAY, 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2025

Image
Successful Inauguration Ceremony of Abia Arise Asa-Nnentu Motor Spare Parts Alaoji Market Chapter Yesterday, September 30th, 2025, history was made at Asa-Nnentu Motor Spare Parts, Alaoji Market, as the Abia Arise Asa-Nnentu Market Chapter was officially inaugurated. The colorful ceremony brought together market leaders, government officials, stakeholders, and well-wishers who share in the vision of a progressive Abia State. The event, which featured inspiring speeches and cultural displays, was graced by notable dignitaries including the State Chairman of Abia Arise, Hon. Nkem Okoro, and the Executive Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA, Hon. Chigemezu Iheanacho Wagbara, among others. In his address, the State Chairman, Hon. Nkem Okoro, charged the newly inaugurated executives and members to uphold the values of unity, accountability, and service to the people. He emphasized that Abia Arise is not just a movement but a people-driven vision anchored on development, integrity...
Read more

AN ISIALANGWA BORN GLOBAL CONSULTANT HAILS GOVERNOR ALEX CHIOMA OTTI....

Image
     A Global Management Consultant Hon.Dr Kelechi Madugba Congratulates The Governor Of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti On The Completion Of Ohanku Road, Ndoki, Arise, Umuatako, Nkoro, Gabriel Nwosu Including The Major Portharcourt Road.        Dr. Madugba An APC Chieftain In Abia State Noted That Portharcourt Road Was Is More Than Just A Road That is A Symbol Of Years Of Abandonment, Unfulfilled Promises, And The Daily Struggles Of Ordinary People Whose Lives Were Shaped By Its Condition.      He Thanked The Governor For This Historic Accomplishment Because Aba Is The Economic Hub Of West Africa, He Urged The Governor In His Vision In Changing Abia Not To Be Distracted By Political Nay Sayers. He Furthermore Urged The Governor To Look Into The Problem Of Abia Pensioners And To Remember The Good People Of Nnaji Autonomous Community In Isialangwa North Local Government Area For They Are Agrirarain...
Read more