Loyalists of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, say the countdown to his return has officially begun, with his reinstatement expected on September 18, 2025, when the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state ends.

Fubara’s media aide, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said residents were eagerly awaiting the governor’s return to continue his developmental projects.

“Expectations for the governor’s return are very high. He had been doing wonderfully well as head of the Rivers State Government.

“Several projects were ongoing, including the multi-billion-naira Port Harcourt Ring Road, which cuts across about six local government areas.

“The expectation is that these projects will be revived immediately so they don’t suffer setbacks—projects like the Ring Road, the Omoku-Elele Road, the Trans Kalabari Road, and many more. I believe he will want to accelerate them to ensure people get the full benefit of their money,” Omatsogunwa stated.

He added that from Monday, August 18, the official countdown to Fubara’s return as governor had begun.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and members of the House of Assembly, citing the prolonged political crisis between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator, with a mandate to restore stability in the state.

Since assuming office, Ibas has overseen several projects and assured that he has no intention of remaining in office beyond the emergency rule period.

Through his Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, the administrator explained that contractors had been mobilised and were working according to specifications, particularly on the new State House of Assembly complex and other infrastructure projects.

“We are firmly committed to exiting office, which is why the National Assembly gave approval for RSIEC to proceed with the local government elections to restore democracy at that level.

“The budget has been approved, funding for outstanding projects is ongoing, and we remain committed to the mandate of the emergency proclamation,” Ibas said.