Abuja, Nigeria – September 17, 2025:
Fresh details have emerged on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu abruptly ended his working vacation in France and the United Kingdom, returning to Abuja ahead of schedule. The president, who was initially expected back on September 19, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 6:50 pm on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
According to reliable reports, the president’s early return is tied to pressing national issues, particularly the expiration of the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State and crucial preparations for Nigeria’s participation at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Rivers State Political Crisis Forces Tinubu’s Hand
One of the primary reasons for Tinubu’s sudden return is the expiration of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State in March 2025. The drastic measure was imposed after the political feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, spiraled into a full-blown crisis.
The conflict, which began as a power struggle, intensified after a faction of state lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. The situation worsened with reported attacks on vital oil installations, raising fears of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.
In response, President Tinubu suspended the state assembly, dissolved political structures, and appointed Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as the sole administrator of the state during the emergency rule. With the six-month tenure of the emergency government now lapsed, Tinubu is expected to make a decision on whether to end or extend the emergency rule.
Political observers say the decision is critical, as it will determine the future of governance in Rivers State and either restore democratic institutions or prolong federal intervention.
UN General Assembly: Nigeria Prepares for Global Stage
Another major reason for Tinubu’s early return is the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which began on September 9 in New York. The high-level debate of the assembly is scheduled for September 23, and international protocol requires heads of state to leave their capitals at least two days before their scheduled appearances.
For Tinubu, this means ensuring all domestic responsibilities are completed before he departs Abuja. The president is expected to lead Nigeria’s delegation and present the country’s stance on key global issues, including:
Global security and peacekeeping
Climate change and energy transition
Africa’s debt crisis and economic recovery
Nigeria’s leadership role in regional stability
Tinubu’s participation will be his second appearance at the UNGA since assuming office in May 2023, and analysts expect him to use the platform to reaffirm Nigeria’s diplomatic influence on the world stage.
Balancing Domestic Challenges and International Duties
The timing of Tinubu’s return underscores the delicate balance between domestic governance and international diplomacy. On one hand, the president faces mounting pressure at home to resolve the Rivers State political crisis without fueling further instability in the Niger Delta. On the other hand, Nigeria’s global reputation depends heavily on how Tinubu represents the country at the UN.
Political analyst Dr. Chinedu Eze told Dockaysworld that Tinubu’s decision was inevitable:
> “The Rivers State emergency cannot be left hanging without clear direction, especially with oil production and national security at stake. At the same time, the United Nations General Assembly is a platform no serious world leader can afford to miss. Tinubu is trying to strike a balance.”
Nigerians React to Tinubu’s Sudden Return
News of the president’s early return has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria. Supporters argue that it shows Tinubu’s commitment to national duty, while critics claim it exposes how fragile the country’s governance structures have become.
Civil society groups in Rivers State have already called on the president to end the emergency rule, insisting that democratic governance must be restored immediately. However, some stakeholders, particularly in the oil sector, are urging Tinubu to extend the emergency period to prevent further sabotage and unrest.
What Next for Nigeria?
As Tinubu resumes work in Abuja, all eyes are on the presidency to see whether he will:
1. Lift the state of emergency in Rivers State and reinstate political institutions.
2. Extend the emergency rule to consolidate security and stability.
3. Finalize Nigeria’s agenda and strategy ahead of his UNGA address in New York.
The coming days are expected to be decisive, not only for the people of Rivers State but also for Nigeria’s standing in global politics.
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s early return from vacation highlights the urgent and complex challenges facing Nigeria. With domestic political crises colliding with international diplomatic obligations, the president’s next moves will shape both Nigeria’s internal stability and its global reputation.
For now, Nigerians await his decisions on Rivers State while preparing to watch him represent the nation at the world’s biggest diplomatic stage—the United Nations General Assembly.
