Siminalayi Fubara is set to return as governor of Rivers State on September 18, ending the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in March.
His return, however, comes with new restrictions that will reduce his control over key governance areas in the state.
The decision follows last weekend’s local government elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 of the 23 council seats.
Sources told Business Day that this result shifts significant power to the APC and forms part of the conditions for Fubara’s reinstatement.
Upon resuming office, he will not have authority over local governments or the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Key appointments, project approvals, and major spending will be coordinated from Abuja to prevent conflicts between Fubara, lawmakers, and political stakeholders.
Fubara has been offered the option to join the APC, but sources indicated that any defection must be his personal decision and carried out individually.
Earlier, he considered moving his entire political structure to the APC, hoping for federal support over his political mentor, Nyesom Wike.
The message from Abuja clarified that any such move must be done alone, and he must fulfill all party obligations independently.
The source said: “He will not control the local government and the Rivers State House of Assembly. This is to ensure that peace reigns.
“On his return, he will be handed the list of commissioners, which he will pass on to the House of Assembly for approval.
“If he wants to join the APC now, he must do so alone and pay his dues.”
The Rivers APC has pledged cooperation with Fubara, citing their victory in the local government elections as a foundation for collaboration.
Meanwhile, the PDP expressed concern, calling the situation troubling for democracy and warning of potential impacts on the party’s influence in the state.
Tinubu Meets Ibas
In the lead-up to the end of the emergency, President Tinubu met with the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The closed-door session, which lasted over two hours, focused on transition arrangements, security updates, and steps for a smooth handover as the emergency period lapses.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, has administered the state during the six months, exercising both executive and legislative powers to restore order after the political crisis that caused violent clashes and legislative paralysis.
It’s quite unfortunate and sad,how Nigerian politicians hv hijacked the nation and pocketed them. But they should know that what has a begining definitely has an end. WHATEVER ONE SOW THAT WILL THEY REAP, IT’S A MATTER OF TIME