Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday made a triumphant return to Port Harcourt, where he was received by a large crowd of cheering supporters at the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Fubara’s plane touched down at about 11:50 a.m., more than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state.
His return marked his first appearance since the suspension of the emergency rule, a development that had sparked widespread celebrations across Rivers State.
Thousands of supporters had gathered earlier at the VIP wing of the airport, waving banners and chanting solidarity songs as the governor emerged from the terminal.
Confusion Over His Absence
Similar scenes had played out at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thurday, where supporters began waiting from as early as 6:00 a.m., drumming and singing in anticipation of his arrival.
However, confusion set in when the governor failed to show up for several hours, forcing many to disperse by mid-afternoon after being barred from entering the premises by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Both Governor Fubara and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were cleared to resume office following President Tinubu’s announcement ending the emergency rule at midnight on Wednesday.
Wike Explains Fubara’s Delay
While the governor’s aides gave no reason for his initial absence, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, later explained that Fubara had been on vacation in Europe.
Speaking in a televised interview on Thursday night, Wike revealed that he had personally spoken with the governor before his return.
“As of yesterday, I spoke to the governor. I told him I was leaving that night to come back, and he told me he was leaving this morning. By the grace of God, peace has returned,” Wike said.
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The former Rivers governor also dismissed speculations of lingering hostilities between him and his successor. “I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. We must move forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday September 18.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
