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Local government

Rivers State Governor Fubara to Return with Reduced Powers after Six-Month State of Emergency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to return to office on September 18, marking the end of the six-month state of emergency imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18. However, sources have revealed that Fubara's return will come with significantly reduced powers, as Nyesom Wike, his political godfather, and the federal government will tighten their grip on the state. Fubara's return is conditional on the APC's victory in the local government elections, where they won 20 out of 23 council seats.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fubara's return as governor will be marked by significantly reduced powers, with President Tinubu and Wike exerting control over the state.
  • Fubara will not control the local government and the Rivers State House of Assembly, with key appointments, project priorities, and capital projects decided from Abuja.
  • The APC in Rivers State has declared readiness to welcome Fubara, but it remains unclear if he will defect to the party or remain in the PDP.
  • Political analysts predict that Fubara may return as a "rubber stamp" governor, implementing the will of President Tinubu.
  • Fubara's decision to participate in PDP activities and restore stability in the state is crucial, according to legal experts.
  • The National Assembly must be formally notified to lift the embargo on Rivers and reverse the emergency declaration.

Statistics:

  • 20: The number of local government council seats won by the APC in Rivers State.
  • 23: The total number of local government council seats in Rivers State.
  • 6 months: The duration of the state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Tinubu.
  • 2 million: The number of votes cast during the local government election.
  • 63: The number of counties in Nigeria's 37 states where elections take place.
  • 5 million: The number of registered voters in Rivers State.

Sources:

  • BusinessDay
  • Presidential Villa, Abuja
  • Tony Okocha, APC chairman in Rivers State
  • Okey Osuoha, PDP deputy national legal adviser
  • Enemari John, Chairman of Benue State Action Alliance
  • Abraham Musa, Abuja-based lawyer
  • Ohiole Kadiri, legal practitioner
  • Ibrahim Musa, executive director of CISLAC
  • Chukwuemeka Eze, APC chieftain in Rivers State

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