Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is expected to return to office on September 18, bringing to an end the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 for the state.

Naijaonpoint understands that President Tinubu met with the suspended governor in Lagos on June 3 to broker a peace deal between him, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

During the period, retired Naval Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as sole administrator, a move that entrenched federal control over the oil-rich state.

However, fresh concerns have emerged regarding the governor’s likely diminished influence upon his return to office.

The Chairman of the Action Alliance in Benue State, Enemari John, in a chat with BusinessDay, said Fubara’s reinstatement might reduce him to a mere figurehead.

John stated, “He will be a rubber stamp governor, because his hands are now tied.”

The party chieftain further urged Fubara to consider resignation if he is forced to serve the interests of political godfathers rather than the people of Rivers State.

“Fubara should be steadfast and let go. If they insist on him working for them, he should resign,” John warned.

He added that history was replete with governors who “did the bidding of their godfathers and easily went broke at the end of their tenure.”