Wike hints at Fubara’s return, says Rivers emergency rule expires September 18

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the state of emergency declared in Rivers State would expire on September 18.

The Star recalls that President Bola Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduand, and all elected lawmakers of the state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.

Tinubu, in a national broadcast, appointed a retired vice admiral, Ibokette Ibas, as administrator “to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State.”

Speaking after casting his vote in the local government election in Rivers State on Saturday, August 30, Wike said the expiration of the state of emergency would pave the way for the state House of Assembly to resume its legislative duties.

The minister added that the expiration would also ensure the state has a government at the grassroots level.

VIDEO: Wike votes in Rivers LG election

Wike said: “I do know that by September 18, the state of emergency will expire and the state assembly will come back to their job and we will have a government at the grassroots level.

“The coast is clear for the state of emergency to be lifted, being that the state government has its representative and the local government has its representatives, so we are good to go.”

He further commended the conduct of the local government election, describing it as peaceful.

“You have not heard of any violence. You have not heard of people carrying ballot boxes. You see that the electoral materials are there. People are there casting their votes. As far as we are concerned, the elections are very peaceful,” Wike added.

The Star