𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞

The Rivers State government has commenced activities to mark the end of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

Recall, that President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in the state, following a prolonged political crisis.

The state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and all members of the state House of Assembly were also suspended by the president.

As the initial six months elapse on Friday, September 18, there are indications that Governor Fubara and the lawmakers may be reinstated.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will both return to the country on Tuesday (today) ahead of Rivers return to democratic rule on Thursday.

Tinubu is returning to Abuja after cutting short his vacation in France, while Fubara is also due back from London. Their return comes just as the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), intensifies preparations to hand over power with a series of transition activities marking the end of the emergency rule in the state.

As part of the transition process, the state government will, on Tuesday, today, hold a public lecture with the theme, ‘Democracy and Good Governance’ at the government house in Port Harcourt.

In a notice by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe lbas, CFR, Administrator of Rivers State, will serve as the Special Guest.

President Tinubu, who departed Nigeria on September 4 for his annual holiday in France and the United Kingdom, was initially billed to spend 10 working days (ending September 10) abroad but concluded his break ahead of schedule. A statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President would resume official duties in Abuja immediately on arrival.

While in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors for mutual prosperity and global stability.