Tinubu Orders Ibas to Prepare Handover Notes as Rivers Emergency Rule Nears End

President Bola Tinubu met privately with Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), last Wednesday in Abuja. Rivers State emergency rule

Strong indications suggest suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof Ngozi Odu, and the State Assembly may resume September 18, 2025.

A reliable source disclosed that Tinubu directed Ibas to compile detailed handover notes before completing his ongoing 10-day vacation.

The notes must highlight funds inherited from Fubara, revenues generated under emergency rule, expenditures, and projects executed with precision.

This presidential instruction disrupted moves within the National Assembly pushing for a three-month extension of Ibas’ tenure.

According to the source, advocates of extension argued extra months would ensure completion of major ongoing state projects.

Projects mentioned included rebuilding the demolished Assembly Complex, workers’ verification exercise, and installing sensitive equipment across key government institutions.

Had this plan succeeded, democratic institutions and Fubara’s government would have remained suspended until January 2026.

However, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike strongly opposed the move, insisting the Rivers State emergency rule ends September 18.

After casting his vote during the local election, Wike stated the governor and Assembly are ready to resume.

Two days later, Rivers APC chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, also emphasized that the September 18 deadline remains unchanged.

The source added that Ibas must submit his administrative report two days before resuming duty from vacation.

President Tinubu is expected to make an official announcement lifting the emergency rule on September 18, 2025.