Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, whose six-month suspension from office expired on September 18, 2025, is expected to officially resume duties today, Friday, September 19.

His suspension, which began on March 18, 2025, was lifted by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday and became effective from midnight Thursday. However, despite expectations that he would return to office immediately, Fubara did not resume on Thursday.

Hundreds of supporters gathered at the Government House gate to welcome him but were left disappointed when neither Fubara nor his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, appeared. Only members of the State House of Assembly resumed their legislative duties.

In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today Thursday night, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike urged calm, stressing that there is no law compelling the governor to resume on the exact day his suspension ends.

“As I speak to you, as of yesterday, I spoke to the governor. I told him I was leaving that night to come back, and he told me he was leaving this morning. So, I can tell you that by the grace of God, peace has returned. And look at what the Assembly did today to set the tone. You can see peace. You can see we are prepared for the interest of the state. Let’s move forward.”

Wike confirmed that Fubara was out of the country but assured he would return on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly has called on the governor to present the appropriation bill for the remainder of the year and forward the names of commissioner-nominees for screening.