Mixed reactions have trailed the anticipated return of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, as the six-month suspension of democratic institutions in the state winds down.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had suspended the state’s democratic structures on March 18, 2025, following a protracted political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as sole administrator. One of Ibas’ earliest actions was the suspension of all political appointees under Fubara.
Several projects initiated by the governor, including the Trans-Kalabari Link Road, the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the rehabilitation of the burnt State Assembly complex, and the revival of Soghai Farm, stalled under the interim arrangement. Despite promises to mobilise contractors back to site, little progress was made.
Ahead of Fubara’s reinstatement, residents and political stakeholders are setting out expectations. APC chieftain Stephen Deegbara urged the governor to prioritise completing abandoned road projects, civil service promotions, and teacher recruitment.
Port Harcourt-based journalist, Olalekan Ige, stressed the need to quickly revisit infrastructure. “The Ring Road project abandoned by Julius Berger must be resolved. The employment crisis, school rehabilitation, and bursaries for students are also urgent,” he said.
Another APC chieftain, Hon. Darlington Nwauju, lamented governance “frozen for five months,” accusing the interim leadership of struggling with even basic responsibilities like salary payments.
Political analyst Dr. Obinna Nwodim said the emergency period slowed Rivers’ development. “There is a big difference between what would have happened under a democratic structure and what we’ve seen in the last five months,” he noted.
Not all observers are optimistic. Analyst Obinwa Akanwa argued that Fubara returns “boxed into a corner” and politically weakened.
Meanwhile, controversy lingers as the Coalition for Justice and Democracy (CJD) last week accused the suspended governor of sponsoring falsehoods against President Tinubu and Sole Administrator Ibas. The group described allegations of contract inflation and mismanagement as “baseless blackmail,” insisting Ibas acted within emergency powers under National Assembly oversight.
As Rivers awaits the governor’s return, uncertainty persists over whether his reinstatement will restore stability or deepen political divisions in the oil-rich state.
