The political atmosphere in Rivers State is highly charged as Governor Siminalayi Fubara prepares for his reinstatement on Thursday, marking the official end of emergency rule in the state. Amidst these developments, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly declared its readiness to welcome Governor Fubara into its fold, extending a significant invitation for him to defect to the ruling party.

Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Tuesday, Darlington Nwauju, the APC spokesperson in Rivers State, articulated the party’s stance, strongly urging Governor Fubara to seize the moment of his return to announce his defection. Nwauju’s statement underscored the party's enthusiasm: “If I were the governor of Rivers State, on my return on Thursday, I would announce my defection to the All Progressives Congress. I think the governor should join the APC, and we would gladly receive the governor into our party.”

A crucial detail revealed by Nwauju regarding a potential defection is the automatic assumption of leadership within the APC. When pressed on whether Fubara would lead the APC in Rivers State upon crossing over, Nwauju responded affirmatively, stating, “By the convention of our party, if he joins the All Progressives Congress, he becomes the leader of the party.” This highlights a powerful incentive for the governor to consider the move.

The APC spokesman also addressed the six-month tenure of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.), who has been at the helm of Rivers State under emergency rule. Nwauju clarified that while the Rivers State APC has not formally demanded a performance account from Ibas, the responsibility for evaluating his stewardship lies with the National Assembly, specifically a committee from the House of Representatives. This committee oversees the period of emergency and is expected to conduct due diligence, producing a report for Nigerians as part of its legislative and lawmaking mandates.

In anticipation of Thursday’s formal restoration of democratic governance, both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Fubara were expected back in Nigeria on Tuesday. President Tinubu notably cut short his international holiday, having departed Nigeria on September 4 for France and the United Kingdom, initially planning a longer stay. Governor Fubara, on his part, is returning from London. The Rivers State government has intensified its preparations for the impending handover ceremony, which will formally conclude the emergency rule and usher in the full return of democratic processes.