President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is returning to Abuja after cutting short his vacation in France, ahead of the handover of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Bayo Onanuga, the spokesperson to the president, said Tinubu will resume duty officially on Tuesday, September 16, earlier than expected.

Suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara will also return to the country from London, United Kinddom, on Tuesday (today) ahead of Rivers return to democratic rule.

Ibas (retd.) has intensifies preparations to hand over power with a series of transition activities marking the end of the emergency rule in the state. President Tinubu was initially billed to spend 10 working days (ending September 10) abroad after departing Nigeria on September 4 for his annual holiday in France and United Kingdom.

As reported by The Punch, Fubara’s aide said the suspended governor’s arrival was initially expected on Monday, September 15, 2025. “The governor will be back on Tuesday” ahead of his reinstatement slated for Thursday, September 18.

Fubara’s long-awaited return to the country is expected on the same day with President Tinubu. The convergence of Tinubu’s return to Abuja and Fubara’s comeback to Rivers heightens anticipation around the unfolding political transition.

Many stakeholders are watching closely as Ibas prepares to hand back power after steering the state through a turbulent period of six month of emergency rule.

Recall that Ibas is set to hand over office to Fubara as Rivers state governor after emergency rule.

Ibas explained what he met on the ground when President Tinubu appointed him as the sole Administrator.

Tinubu appointed Ibas after suspending Fubara and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers state for six months.