Reinstated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to return to the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule that had suspended his administration.
Thousands of supporters, some arriving as early as 6 a.m., gathered at the gates of the Government House with drums, flutes, and dancing troupes to welcome the governor.
Traffic along Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and adjoining streets was brought to a standstill as the crowd occupied the area, expecting Fubara to address them. By midday, however, many dispersed in disappointment as the governor neither appeared nor issued a broadcast.
The uncertainty was clarified later in the day when Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, revealed during a national television interview that Fubara had left Europe, where he was vacationing, on Thursday morning. Wike, who confirmed he had spoken with the governor on Wednesday, assured that peace had returned to Rivers State following the president’s intervention.
“I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” Wike said, adding that efforts to fuel further crisis in the state would fail.
While Fubara’s absence created unease among his supporters, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened for its first plenary since the emergency rule.
Presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, the lawmakers pledged readiness to resume legislative duties, announced plans to review the state budget passed under outgoing administrator Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and requested a list of commissioner-nominees from the governor.
Rear Admiral Ibas bowed out of office on Wednesday night after delivering a statewide broadcast to mark the end of his tenure as administrator.
