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BREAKING: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Trouble As Budget Suggests Fubara’s Comeback

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BREAKING: Tinubu’s Emergency Rule In Trouble As Budget Suggests Fubara’s Comeback

Rivers State might just be on the brink of a political reset — at least, that’s what the latest budget document seems to suggest. In a surprising twist to the ongoing political drama, Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers State, has subtly dropped a major hint: Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other suspended officials could be making a return.

Let’s break it down.


The Crisis That Shook Rivers

To understand the gravity of this moment, you need to rewind to March 2025. President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, a decision that shocked the nation. The move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire Rivers State House of Assembly.

Why? A fierce power tussle between Fubara and his political godfather-turned-rival, Nyesom Wike — now Minister of the FCT — had escalated beyond control. What began as internal party friction turned into a full-blown constitutional crisis.

To calm the chaos, Tinubu installed Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator for an initial six-month period. That term is nearing its end, and now, the conversation has shifted from managing a crisis to planning a transition back to civilian rule.


What the Budget Just Revealed

While defending the ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget proposal before a House of Representatives ad hoc committee, Ibas made a statement that’s now making headlines.

“In anticipation of the eventual return to constitutional order, the draft budget prudently retains provisions for the offices and functions of suspended political actors…”

Translation? The state is budgeting for the possibility that Fubara and other suspended officials will be back in office — and sooner than many expected.

Not only have some of these actors already drawn funds from the first quarter allocations, but they’re also expected to “resume their duties at the expiration of the emergency period.”


Is This a Sign of Reconciliation or a Calculated Transition?

This statement raises several possibilities:

  • A return to constitutional democracy in Rivers could be on the cards by the end of Ibas’ six-month tenure.

  • The Tinubu-led federal government may be preparing to hand the reins back — either voluntarily or due to mounting political pressure.

  • Alternatively, this may be part of a broader political negotiation involving the presidency, Fubara, and Wike, aimed at stabilizing one of Nigeria’s most politically volatile states.

The budget also aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), signaling a commitment to long-term growth, even amid political uncertainty. Ibas emphasized goals like increased revenue generation, human capital development, and inclusive economic growth — but the real buzz remains around the political undercurrent of his statements.


The Bigger Picture: 2027 and Beyond

This budget revelation isn’t just about Fubara — it’s a glimpse into what Nigeria’s democratic future might look like as the 2027 elections approach. The Rivers crisis has become a microcosm of national power dynamics, and any shift here could ripple across the entire political landscape.

If Fubara returns and manages to stabilize his administration, it may reset the balance of power — not just in Rivers, but within the PDP and opposition ranks ahead of the next general elections.


Final Thoughts

For now, it’s a waiting game. But make no mistake — Rivers State is far from settled. The inclusion of suspended leaders in the state’s budget is more than just good governance planning. It’s a strategic signal, a whisper of political restoration, and possibly, a step toward reconciling a deeply fractured state government.

The next few weeks could reveal whether this is a genuine effort to restore democracy — or just another chapter in Nigeria’s ever-complex political chessboard.

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