Tinubu’s early return and diplomatic stop‑over
President Bola Tinubu left Nigeria on September 4 for his customary vacation in France and the United Kingdom, planning a ten‑day stint abroad. By Tuesday, however, he was back in Abuja, ending his break a day ahead of schedule. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tinubu would resume official duties immediately upon landing.
While in Paris, Tinubu slipped into the Élysée Palace for a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders used the brief meeting to review the state of bilateral ties, agreeing to deepen cooperation in energy, security and trade. Observers noted the lunch as a sign that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains active even as domestic challenges mount.
Meanwhile, suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara also touched down in Nigeria after a stint in London. The governor’s return, though not accompanied by a formal statement, signals his readiness to re‑engage with the political developments unfolding back home.
Rivers State transition gains momentum under Ibas
In the southeast, the focus is on a different kind of handover. Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ibas (retd.), appointed as the sole Administrator after Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara and declared a six‑month emergency, has launched a series of activities to restore democratic governance.
On Sunday, Ibas led a thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, marking the official start of the transition programme. He praised the work of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which completed local government elections within just 30 days – a first in Nigerian electoral history. RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey called the outcome a “historic achievement,” emphasizing the transparency and speed of the polls.
Ibas told reporters that the state’s stability mandate has been fulfilled and that the next step is a thorough review of the election report, followed by a white paper outlining the way forward. The administrator also hinted at a broader government review that will address security, economic revitalisation and infrastructure repair.
The upcoming Thursday handover promises to restore an elected government after months of military‑led administration. Political analysts suggest that the swift election timeline and the public thanksgiving ceremony are designed to build confidence ahead of the democratic transition.
Both Tinubu’s early return and Fubara’s homecoming arrive at a critical juncture. While the president prepares to oversee the final stages of the Rivers State transition, the governor’s presence may influence post‑handover negotiations and the state’s future alignment with federal policies.
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