Abuja/Port Harcourt, |September 16, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday cut short his annual vacation in France and the United Kingdom and returned to Abuja to resume official duties. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the early return, noting that the President had been scheduled to stay abroad until September 20 but concluded his holiday ahead of time.
During his stay in Paris, President Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where both leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties.
Also on Tuesday, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was expected back in Port Harcourt from London, ahead of the expiration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
Rivers has been under emergency administration since March 18, 2025, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas serving as Sole Administrator. Transition activities including a thanksgiving service and public lectures are underway in Port Harcourt, culminating in a formal handover on Thursday, September 18, when democratic governance is set to be restored.
Legal experts remain divided on whether Governor Fubara can resume office automatically or if additional formal procedures will be required.
