President Bola Tinubu returned to Abuja on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, cutting short his working vacation in France and the United Kingdom, which began on September 4 and was set to conclude on September 19.
The Presidential jet, Air Force 001, landed at the Presidential wing of Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport at approximately 6:50 pm local time. With his return, the President faces two pressing tasks: resolving the expiring state of emergency in Rivers State and preparing for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).
Resolving the Rivers State Emergency Rule
The six-month state of emergency in Rivers State, declared on March 18, 2025, expires on Thursday, September 18. The emergency was imposed amid a political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, compounded by militant attacks on oil installations. President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator to stabilise the state. With the deadline looming, the President must decide whether to extend the emergency or lift it, as empowered by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution.
To lift the emergency, precedent suggests Tinubu must deliver a nationwide broadcast and sign a decree suspending the emergency rule, actions that require his presence in Nigeria. Debate rages over the handover process. One perspective holds that Governor Fubara, who was suspended but not impeached, requires no new oath, and the sole administrator can transfer power to the Secretary to the State Government or Head of Service by Wednesday evening for a seamless transition. Others argue a broadcast may not be necessary, though past leaders, including Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, followed this protocol. A smooth transition is critical to avoid political instability in Rivers State.
Preparing for UNGA 80
Presidency sources indicate Tinubu’s early return aligns with preparations for the 80th UN General Assembly, which opened on September 9, 2025, in New York. The high-level General Debate begins on September 23, and protocol requires the President to depart Abuja two days prior, on September 21. Tinubu’s participation in UNGA 80 is a key diplomatic engagement, offering a platform to address global issues and advance Nigeria’s interests. His return ensures adequate time to finalise preparations for this critical international event.
With these tasks at hand, President Tinubu’s immediate focus will be balancing domestic stability in Rivers State with Nigeria’s global diplomatic presence, setting the tone for his administration’s priorities in the coming weeks.