(DDM) – President Bola Tinubu and suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, are expected back in Nigeria today ahead of a historic democratic transition.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that both leaders are returning just days before the restoration of constitutional governance in Rivers, scheduled for Thursday.
Tinubu had travelled to France and the United Kingdom on September 4 for his annual holiday, which was originally billed for ten working days.
However, his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed on Monday that the President decided to cut short his trip and would resume duties in Abuja immediately upon arrival.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu reportedly held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Both leaders reviewed bilateral ties between Nigeria and France and pledged to deepen cooperation in key economic and security sectors.
Suspended Governor Fubara is also returning from London on Tuesday, according to his aide, who confirmed the development to local media.
The aide disclosed that Fubara’s comeback, initially expected on Monday, was rescheduled to coincide with the winding down of emergency rule in Rivers.
Fubara’s reinstatement has been fixed for September 18, marking the end of six months of direct administration by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.).
The Sole Administrator was appointed by Tinubu on March 18, 2025, after political crises, constitutional breaches, and heightened insecurity gripped the state.
The President’s decision followed an emergency meeting with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was tasked with steering Rivers through a turbulent transition period under emergency rule.
His administration is now preparing to hand over power back to democratic structures under Fubara’s reinstated government.
On Sunday, Ibas commenced the handover programme with a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, attended by state officials and community leaders.
As part of transition activities, a public lecture themed Democracy and Good Governance will be held today at the Banquet Hall, Government House.
Ibas is expected to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the event, which will attract prominent dignitaries by 9:30 a.m.
Rivers stakeholders have also petitioned Tinubu, calling for Fubara’s reinstatement and urging the cancellation of controversial plans for local government elections.
Political analysts describe the upcoming restoration of democratic governance in Rivers as a critical moment for Nigeria’s federal system.
They argue that the state’s stability remains vital to national cohesion, given its role as the country’s leading oil-producing hub.
The return of both Tinubu and Fubara is seen as symbolic, signalling renewed efforts to strengthen political order and federal authority in the South-South.
Observers will be watching closely on Thursday as the state transitions back from military-style administration to civilian governance.
The development is expected to reshape political alliances, ease public fears, and test Fubara’s ability to reunite a deeply divided state.
The post Tinubu, Fubara return as Rivers democratic rule set for restoration
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first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
