WHY TINUBU CUT SHORT HIS VACATION: PRESIDENT RUSHES BACK TO TACKLE RIVERS CRISIS, PREPARE FOR UN SUMMIT

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday evening abruptly ended his vacation abroad and returned to Abuja, ahead of schedule, as political and constitutional storms gather around Rivers State.

The presidential aircraft, Air Force 001, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at exactly 6:50pm, with top government officials on hand to receive the Commander-in-Chief.

Tinubu, who had been on a working vacation in France and the United Kingdom since September 4, was expected to conclude his annual leave on September 19. However, mounting state matters—most critically, the imminent expiration of the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State—forced his early return.

RIVERS AT A CROSSROADS

The six-month state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025, following the bitter political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, officially ends on Thursday.

What began as a tussle for control of the state legislature spiraled into a full-blown crisis after militants allegedly sabotaged vital oil installations. With security and governance teetering on the brink, Tinubu moved swiftly to impose emergency rule, suspending the governor and appointing former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, as sole administrator.

Now, the President faces a delicate constitutional choice: extend the emergency rule or lift it to allow Governor Fubara’s reinstatement. Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution vests him with sweeping powers, but the process demands precision.

To formally end the emergency, Tinubu must make a nationwide broadcast and sign a decree restoring constitutional governance—tasks he could not execute while abroad.

DEBATE OVER FUBARA’S RETURN

The expected handover has already sparked heated constitutional debates.
One school of thought insists Governor Fubara needs no fresh oath of office, since he was suspended rather than impeached, and power should transition seamlessly once the sole administrator exits.
Others argue that precedent, set under Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, requires a presidential broadcast and formal decree for legitimacy.

Observers warn that any misstep could plunge Rivers deeper into uncertainty, especially as the political rivalry between Fubara and Wike remains unresolved.

EYES ON THE WORLD STAGE

Beyond Rivers, Presidency sources hint that Tinubu’s early return is also strategic. The President must prepare for the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), which commenced in New York on September 9. The high-level General Debate begins on September 23, with Tinubu expected to depart Abuja two days earlier to lead Nigeria’s delegation.

Between quelling a political inferno at home and projecting Nigeria’s voice abroad, Tinubu’s plate is overflowing. His sudden return underscores the gravity of the challenges awaiting him in the days ahead.