Thousands of supporters who gathered at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday to welcome the reinstated Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, left disappointed after he failed to show up.
Fubara was expected to resume office the same day following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18 The President had, on Wednesday, announced the termination of the emergency rule, which also brought to an end the administration of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as Rivers’ sole administrator during the period.
Rivers State has witnessed one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political crises, largely driven by the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Their fallout over control of state structures and resources split the House of Assembly, fueled impeachment threats, and triggered violent protests, including the burning of the Assembly complex.
Although President Tinubu brokered a peace deal, tensions remained high, with local groups and ex-agitators threatening to attack oil facilities if Fubara was removed from office, as demanded by the pro-Wike Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.
In his statement on Wednesday.
The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including Speaker Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025… The emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today.
By dawn on Thursday, supporters had converged on the Government House gates along Azikiwe Street, some traveling from distant parts of the state. But by 2pm, with no sign of the governor, many departed visibly dejected.
Key Fubara loyalists — including former commissioners Evans Bipi, Solomon Eke, Chisom Gbala, and Prince Emejuru — as well as sacked local government chairmen Chijoke Ihunwo, Ezebunwo Ichemati, Peter Amakiri, and Promise Reginald, were also present. They were seen making urgent phone calls, apparently trying to confirm Fubara’s whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding Fubara’s no-show deepened unease in a state still recovering from pipeline explosions and months of political instability.
