Nyesom Wike, the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Saturday, August 30, revealed that the suspended governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara and members of the state House of Assembly will return on September 18, when the state of emergency in Rivers will elapse.

Wike stated this on Saturday shortly after casting his vote in the ongoing local government election in the state.

As reported by Daily Trust, the former Rivers state governor described the election as very peaceful compared to other elections in the state.

Wike noted that if the local government election is not held under emergency rule, it means there would be no governance at the grassroots after the expiration of the emergency rule.

The FCT minister stated thus:

“What this election means and you know by 18 of September, that state of emergency will expire and the governor and state house of assembly will come back to their jobs, and then remember that the Supreme Court had nullified the other election, and if this election was not conducted, it means that there is no governance at the grassroots level.

“This election is peaceful, election materials are there on time and people are casting their votes.”

Wike disclosed this in an interaction with journalists on Saturday, August 30.

#Rivers LG Elections

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, fielding questions from journalists after voting at Polling Unit 007, Ward 9 (Rumuepirikom Kingdom), Obia/Akpor LG, today. pic.twitter.com/4YHHfHGS9F

— Lere Olayinka - Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) August 30, 2025

Why Fubara was suspended

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, suspended the governor and declared a state of emergency in Rivers amid the political crisis.

Tinubu reportedly brokers peace in Rivers

Recall that Wike, Fubara, and State Assembly Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, were spotted at the funeral service for Wike’s uncle, Elder Temple Omezuruike Onuoha, Head of the Oro-Ekpoduta Clan, held in Rumuepirikom, Rivers state, on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

The trio were seen days after the reconciliation brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu was said to have brokered peace between the two political gladiators in the state. Subsequently, Wike and Fubara, after the meeting, said they have agreed to work together and told the people of the state that no more war.