Siminalayi Fubara is expected to return as governor of Rivers State on September 18, marking the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu on the state, on March 18.

However, sources have revealed that his return would come with significantly reduced powers as Nyesom Wike, his political godfather, and the federal government, will tighten their grip on the state.

President Tinubu met with the suspended governor in Lagos on June 3 to broker a peace deal between him, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

BusinessDay gathered that last weekend’s local government elections, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 out of 23 council seats, were part of the conditions for Fubara’s return. The election results signal a major power shift to the APC in Rivers State.

A source at the Presidential Villa in Abuja told BusinessDay that Fubara was required to relinquish control over all governance structures as a precondition for reinstatement.

“He will not control the local government and the Rivers State House of Assembly. This is to ensure that peace reigns,” the source said.

“On his return, he will be handed the list of commissioners, which he will pass on to the House of Assembly for approval.”

Furthermore, key appointments, project priorities, capital projects and major expenditures will be decided from Abuja.

This move is intended to prevent clashes between Fubara and lawmakers, the source said, noting that “Wike will take all the bullets” for the governor.

BusinessDay learnt that Fubara was given the option of defecting to the APC but the decision was left entirely to him.

It was also revealed that Fubara initially planned to bring his entire political structure to the APC, hoping that President Tinubu would bypass Wike and back him due to his grassroots influence.

However, the message from Abuja was clear: “If he wants to join the APC now, he must do so alone and pay his dues.”

Rivers’ APC volte-face

In a seeming political turnaround, the Rivers State APC declared readiness to welcome Fubara. Tony Okocha, APC chairman in Rivers State, who was previously against the governor, said: “Fubara’s return is no longer a matter of conjecture because September 18, 2025, is already known as the end of the state of emergency. We would back him and work with him.”

Okocha highlighted the party’s success in the local elections, describing winning 20 out of 23 local government areas as ‘no mean feat.’

He added, “The APC in Rivers State is no more a social club. We have over five million registered voters, so two million votes during the local government election is no magic.”

PDP’s anger

Okey Osuoha, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy national legal adviser, described the situation as ‘an aberration’ and lamented its possible impact on democracy.

“Nigeria’s democracy is on trial,” he said. Osuoha noted that Fubara has not participated in PDP activities despite being appointed into the party’s convention planning committee. “We are sure that when he comes back, he will begin to participate in the party’s activities. We have not lost all hope.”

Rubber stamp?

During the emergency, retired Naval Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed the sole administrator of Rivers State by President Tinubu, further solidifying federal control.

Political analysts predict that Fubara may return as a ‘rubber stamp’ governor, effectively executing the will of President Tinubu.

Enemari John, Chairman of Benue State Action Alliance, warned that Fubara would likely not be as active as he was before his suspension.

“He will be a rubber stamp governor, because his hands are now tied,” John said.

“Fubara should be steadfast and let go. If they insist on him working for them, he should resign,” he said, warning that “those who do the bidding of their godfathers easily go broke at the end of their tenure.”

Legal experts emphasise the need for caution. Abraham Musa, an Abuja-based lawyer, said Fubara must focus on restoring stability. “Everyone, including members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was affected by the state of emergency,” he said. “It is expected that they have learned some lessons.”

Musa added that the conflict originated from disputes over the control of Rivers State’s treasury. “Fubara may have been more honest, but with the current state of things, the ball is in the court of Rivers people. They are the only ones that can liberate the state by rejecting any arrangement that will subject their resources to political groups in Abuja.”

Ohiole Kadiri, also a legal practitioner, emphasised procedural propriety, saying the National Assembly must be notified that the six-month emergency period has elapsed. “Once the period elapses, it is expected that he should be allowed to resume as governor, subject to any other position of the President,” Kadiri said.

He urged Fubara to restore peace and order.

Ibrahim Musa, executive director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), agreed, saying the National Assembly must be formally informed to lift the embargo on Rivers and reverse the emergency declaration. “Such action will be necessary for order and decency,” he said.

Musa also noted that Fubara enjoys strong public support within Rivers and the PDP, and should “remain in the PDP and insist on doing what is right for the people.”

Chukwuemeka Eze, an APC chieftain in Rivers State, asked: “What was the initial conflict? Was it not how the treasury of Rivers State will be looted?”

Eze said the people of Rivers must choose to “accept and support this dubious plot or reject it by voting against Tinubu and his people and rescue the state from undemocratic elements.” (BusinessDay)