Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened yesterday with a vow to probe the budget and expenditures of the former sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibik-Ete Ibas (Rtd), as the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s whereabouts are unknown 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency declaration.
Earlier in the day, thousands of supporters of the governor had thronged the main entrance of the Rivers State Government House, hoping to see Fubara return to resume office after a six-month suspension by President Bola Tinubu.
However, they were disappointed that Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, failed to attend the gathering to address the crowd.
Efforts by LEADERSHIP to speak with the governor’s top aides, including his Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson, and his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, failed as none of them responded to calls and text messages.
However, after six months of suspension, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened yesterday in Port Harcourt. The lawmakers stressed the need to ascertain the funds received and spent by the outgoing Military Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd).
The legislature reconvened after the expiration of the six-month emergency rule that President Bola Tinubu had imposed on the legislative and the executive branches of government following political conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The legislators said the resolution is important because the 10th Assembly did not contribute to the budget prepared by the National Assembly.
They also resolved to outline the legislative agenda for the remaining two years, promising to work with Governor Fubara and abide by the outcome of the peace parley brokered by President Tinubu.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, said this in the resolution taken after a voice vote by about 26 members, excluding Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, who was absent.
They also resolved to call on the governor to develop an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year to address current realities.
Other resolutions include commending Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in Rivers State and demanding that Fubara forward the names of commissioner-nominees for the State Executive Council.
“We never saw the budget by the National Assembly, but we only read it in the newspapers. We don’t know what is contained. No member of the House is against the motions, but there is a need to ascertain what came into Rivers State and the expenditure by the administrator”, the Speaker said.
LEADERSHIP Friday gathered that the motion to set the legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly was sponsored by nine House members but read by the House leader, Hon Major Jack.
Part of the motion reads, “Pursuant to the foregoing, we wish to pray this august House to: commend the president and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for restoring democratic institutions in the state; declare that the House would continue to abide by all the terms of the peace parley and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the interest of peace and good governance of Rivers State.
“Ascertain what transpired in the last six months regarding awards, contracts, and expenditures from the state’s consolidated revenue fund.”
The Speaker commended the motion’s sponsors, saying the emergency rule thwarted the House’s legislative business.
He said, “But we thank God that we’re back.
“There’s a need to abide by the terms of the peace parley. I listened to you all, and no member is against the prayers, especially on commendation for the president, forwarding commissioner-nominees by the governor, reviewing what transpired in the last six months, and reviewing what happened to the budget.
“If the State needs to move forward, the issue of the budget and others should be taken into consideration,” Amaewhule said.
Atiku, Tambuwal ‘consistent betrayers’ –Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that former Sokoto state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are consistent betrayers.
Wike also rebuked former Tambuwal over previous comments.
Wike spoke on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
“What do you mean by leadership and friendship? You cannot talk about leadership and ignore the person,” Wike said.
He accused Tambuwal and Atiku Abubakar of political inconsistency.
“These are consistently inconsistent people. What do you expect when you are a consistent betrayer?” he added.
Wike alleged that Tambuwal had his eyes on a Senate role if Atiku won the presidency. He said both men frequently switched political parties for personal gain.
Tambuwal, appearing on the same programme earlier in September, declared loyalty to Atiku over Wike.
“When it comes to leadership of this country and leadership of the people, I would rather support Atiku than Nyesom Wike,” he said.
Tambuwal insisted his choices were guided by governance values rather than friendship.
He clarified that disagreements with leaders, including Goodluck Jonathan, were ideological.
“It is a collaboration; it is not something difficult. Once it is about being altruistic and nothing personal. We disagreed on principle, the way and the direction things were going,” Tambuwal said.
The rift between Wike and key PDP figures dates back to 2023. Then, Wike criticised Atiku, Tambuwal, and Bukola Saraki for abandoning zoning commitments that could have favoured the South.
Wike also reminded viewers that he once backed Tambuwal’s bid to be Speaker of the House of Representatives despite the party’s preference.
Tambuwal, however, stressed that political disputes should not be mistaken for personal animosity.
“If Atiku comes in here and Wike requests my phone, I will give it to him as a personal friend,” he said.
Supporters go home disappointed
Thousands of supporters of reinstated Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, went home yesterday disappointed after the governor and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, failed to show up at the main gate of Government House, Port Harcourt.
President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday lifted the state of emergency placed on the state, which led to the suspension of Fubara, Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Many supporters, who came as early as 6 a.m. from different parts of the state, including rural areas, started leaving the Government House entrance between noon and 1pm.
Some of their leaders, including the immediate past local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, were seen making frantic calls, as the governor’s whereabouts remained unknown as of 1pm.
Among the sacked local government chairmen who led their supporters to Government House in anticipation of the governor’s return were the former chairman of Obio/Akpor, Chijioke Ihunwo, and his counterpart from Port Harcourt City, Ezebunwo Ichemati.
Meanwhile, none of Wike’s supporters, including the newly elected local government chairmen, were seen at the Government House.
Some of those seen leaving the Government House gate expressed frustration over the governor’s absence after waiting several hours.
“We are going because we are hungry. Maybe when the governor comes, we will return,” one of them said.
The development coincided with the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state following the hostilities between the governor and the Assembly, which is primarily controlled by loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Rivers Assembly Reconvenes, Demands Commissioner-nominees’ List From Fubara
The Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday and urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to submit the list of his commissioner-nominees.
Also, during its first plenary after the six-month emergency rule, the House asked the governor to immediately begin putting together an Appropriation Law for the remainder of the year.
These were part of the resolutions of the House during Thursday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule.
Meanwhile, the board and national executive committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELF) have expressed joy over the return of democratic rule in Rivers State.
PANDEF, in a statement signed by King Alfred Diete-Spiff, Obong Victor Attah, co-chairmen, and two others, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly.
The statement reads in part: “The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political organisation representing the South-South geopolitical zone, joins millions of Nigerians in welcoming the lifting of the state of emergency in Rivers State, effective midnight, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
“While PANDEF had expressed strong reservations regarding the erstwhile emergency rule, we commend His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for taking this bold step to rectify the anomaly. We welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to his elected office and salute his unwavering perseverance and faith in the divine will of Almighty God.
“We extend similar commendations to the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, who were equally affected by the suspension.
“We say to the political leaders and people of Rivers State, who were the victims of the dark days, that light has returned to the state and a new glorious dawn has come. A moment in which the bitter pains of the past months will inspire all to rededicate themselves to true mutual forbearance, new alignments and forward movement.
“All hearts and hands must therefore be joined together to put the past behind us and work towards the collective good of the state.
“We look forward to the State’s return to normalcy and the resumption of its developmental trajectory under the leadership of Governor Fubara and his team. PANDEF reiterates its commitment to supporting the government and people of Rivers State in their pursuit of progress and development.”
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum thanked Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency and restoring democratic rule.
RELF was stated in Port Harcourt yesterday, signed by the former deputy governor of the state, Alabo Gabriel Toby. The statement was titled “A Call For Reflection, Forgiveness, Rededication and Unity.”
The statement reads in part: “On behalf of the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RIVELF), we extend warm greetings of peace, strength, and renewed hope to the good people of Rivers State. We also thank the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for lifting the State of Emergency and restoring full democratic governance in our state.
“As we welcome the return of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Ameawhule, DSSRS, and other Rivers State House of Assembly members gave us a unique opportunity to reset and rebuild.
“This is a moment for peace, sober reflection, forgiveness, rededication, and unity. A chance to heal wounds, restore trust, and refocus our energies towards our state’s progress and people’s well-being.
“We call on the Governor, members of the State House of Assembly, other political actors, and stakeholders to put aside bitterness, rebuild confidence in each other, and embrace reconciliation. Let our communities and factions replace anger with understanding, suspicion with trust, and resentment with renewed brotherhood.
“This new dawn also calls for rededication to service and good governance. The return of the Governor and a fully functional Assembly must not simply mark a political settlement but a fresh start rooted in accountability, transparency, and integrity. Leaders must recommit themselves to their constitutional duties, ensuring every decision is guided by the welfare and interests of Rivers people.
“Rivers State is richly blessed with diverse communities, cultures, and traditions, yet we share one destiny. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. We must set aside factional differences and work together to tackle unemployment, insecurity, infrastructural decay, and environmental degradation.
“Whether in government or opposition, rural or urban, we must remember that Rivers State belongs to us all, and its future depends on our collective resolve to overcome the challenges confronting our people and the state.
“Finally, we urge the good people of Rivers State to remain calm, peaceful, and hopeful as we enter this new phase. Reject violence and resist those who seek to divide us.
“Support lawful governance, pray for wisdom for our leaders, and actively participate in rebuilding our state. Let this season be remembered as the time Rivers people chose reflection over reaction, forgiveness over conflict, dedication over neglect, and unity over division.”
We Delivered Milestones of Progress in Rivers – Ibas
Outgoing Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has stated that his six-month administration delivered “milestones of progress,” including the conduct of local government elections, the reconstitution of statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
Ibas disclosed this in a state-wide broadcast marking the end of emergency rule in the state and declared that law and order had been restored.
He noted that governance was “a living process” that required vigilance, sacrifice, and dialogue, warning that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.”
“One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions, and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter, therefore, stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses, but on how political actors manage their differences, on the strength of the institutions we preserve, and the unity we nurture,” he said.
Ibas expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the assignment, praised security operatives for maintaining peace, and commended the resilience of the people of Rivers State.
He said: “Now, as I hand back the reins of leadership to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I call on all Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly, because leadership and followership are shared responsibilities.
“No matter how competent and clear your vision may be, it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me, this marks the closing of another chapter in a life devoted to service – at sea, in diplomacy, and now in governance.
“My dear people, may this state never be brought to the brink of collapse again. May we always choose unity over division, dialogue over discord, and progress over paralysis. The Garden City must never lose its fragrance.”
Thousands Gather at Government House Gate Awaiting Fubara’s Return
Thousands of Rivers State residents gathered before the Government House in Port Harcourt, awaiting Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s return.
President Tinubu announced on Wednesday evening that the state of emergency in Rivers had been suspended, restoring democratic governance.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on 18 March 2025, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Professor Ngozi Odu, and the elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The emergency was declared amid a deepening political crisis in the state, characterised by conflict between Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Among the flashpoints was the demolition of the House of Assembly complex in late 2023 and ongoing disputes over legislative membership and legitimacy.
There were also allegations of widespread pipeline vandalism by militants, and governance was reportedly paralysed due to constitutional breaches. A Supreme Court decision later criticised the governor’s handling of the Assembly, describing it as tantamount to “despotism,” and stating that there was “no functioning government” in Rivers at the time.
As part of his response, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during the emergency. Judicial institutions were, however, left intact.
In his state-wide broadcast on Thursday morning, the outgoing administrator urged political actors to maintain the peace and unity fostered under his leadership.
I Won’t Call For Probe Of Sole Administrator -Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said he will not call for a probe into the tenure of the state’s sole administrator, despite mounting pressure from some quarters.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today yesterday, Wike said his decision is guided by the need for peace and stability in Rivers. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention prevented the state from collapsing.
“I don’t want to take the role of people. If indeed there is something that the governor wants to look into, that is fine. But I won’t sit here and say I want him probed. For me, what matters now is peace in Rivers State.”
Wike acknowledged Tinubu’s decisive action in lifting the controversial emergency rule in the state.
“I must commend Mr President for lifting the emergency rule in Rivers. But for his intervention, it would have been a different outcome entirely. So many people became constitutional experts because of this so-called emergency rule, but today peace has returned. The President deserves credit for that.”
He also disclosed that the peace accord involved meetings between the presidency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State Assembly, and other stakeholders.
“We spoke, the governor and I. What matters is that we talked, and by the grace of God, peace has come,” Wike said.
When pressed on whether he had forgiven his successor, Wike responded
“Have I forgiven Fubara? Yes. I don’t play games. If I say everything is over, it is over. We have moved past the quarrels; it is time to focus on governance,” he declared.
Speaking further, hit back at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, describing them as inconsistent politicians who thrive on betrayal.
“Atiku and Tambuwal have been consistently inconsistent. They are the real betrayers..The crisis in the PDP is manufactured by politicians who don’t want peace. They feed on chaos.”
According to him, selfish interests drive much of the rancour within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“Some people don’t like peace because they only benefit from a crisis. But enough is enough. Nigeria must move forward,” he added.
When asked if he would support Fubara for a second term, Wike refused to commit. “We don’t talk like that now. That’s what fuels the crisis. We still have two years before 2027. Let us work first. When the time comes, we will decide,” he stated.
No Law Compels Fubara To Resume Office Immediately – Wike
Wike has stated that there is no legal requirement for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to immediately return to office following the conclusion of President Bola Tinubu’s six-month emergency rule.
The emergency declaration was made at the height of the political crisis between Governor Fubara and loyalists of his predecessor, Wike, which led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Tinubu announced on Wednesday that the emergency rule would end at midnight, citing improved conditions in the state.
He ordered all suspended officials to resume their duties. While lawmakers reconvened for plenary, Governor Fubara and his deputy were not publicly seen.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike dismissed concerns about the governor’s absence, emphasising that effective governance is not solely dependent on physical presence in the office.
“I am not his protocol officer. No law says he must resume work today. He is a governor. I don’t understand the way we operate. Being sworn in today does not mean I will go to the office tomorrow.
Wike Vows Not To Impose Commissioners On Governor Fubara
Wike has also declared that he will not recommend or impose any commissioner on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, as the governor resumes his duties following the end of a six-month emergency rule.
President Bola Tinubu imposed emergency rule in March amid a protracted political crisis between Governor Fubara and Wike, his predecessor.
The feud was widely believed to be fueled by disagreements over political appointments and influence.
Peace Has Returned To Rivers, Wike Declares After Talks With Fubara
Wike said peace had been restored in Rivers State following a reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This will allow President Bola Tinubu to lift the six-month emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
Wike revealed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, disclosing that he held a telephone conversation with the governor just a day earlier.
The political feud between Wike and his successor had escalated earlier this year, leading President Tinubu to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly in March to contain the crisis.
Wike declared that he had forgiven the governor and that their conflict was in the past.
Peace Has Returned To Rivers, Wike Declares After Talks With Fubara
Wike said peace had been restored in Rivers State following a reconciliation with Governor Siminalayi Fubara. This will allow President Bola Tinubu to lift the six-month emergency rule in the oil-rich state.
Wike revealed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, disclosing that he held a telephone conversation with the governor just a day earlier.
The political feud between Wike and his successor had escalated earlier this year, leading President Tinubu to suspend Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the Rivers State House of Assembly in March to contain the crisis.
Wike declared that he had forgiven the governor and that their conflict was in the past.
“I have already said that we have been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” he said.
The FCT minister also targeted critics, whom he accused of undermining peace efforts and offering no constructive solutions.
“Unfortunately, there are people who do not want peace. Today, I watched individuals twisting the law, claiming illegality in local government elections. But ask them: what did they do to prevent such illegality in the first place?” Wike said.
Wike Defends 1 AM Meeting With Fubara Over Rivers Election
Wike has revealed details of a late-night meeting with Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to discuss the state’s recently concluded local government elections.
On Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Wike emphasised that the governor was fully involved in the process and that their collaboration remains strong.
He disclosed that he drove to the Governor’s residence at 1 am to ensure their discussions were kept private.
“This is what Nigerians should know. The Governor wanted to come and see me. I said, no, you’re the governor. I drove to the governor’s house by 1 am,” he said.
He further elaborated on the purpose of the unusual meeting, asserting, “I said, Your Excellency, what do we do? Nothing was done that the governor wasn’t part of.”
Addressing Governor Fubara’s absence during the election period, Wike provided a personal reason, explaining, “Even before the election, the governor travelled. He told me he will not be around because his son had this engagement.”
