Hopes ran high across Rivers State on Thursday as citizens trooped into Port Harcourt to witness the return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the termination of the six-month emergency rule. However, expectations turned to disappointment when the governor failed to appear at the Government House.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Wednesday lifted the emergency declaration imposed on March 18, 2025, after months of intense political conflict. The sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), stepped down, transferring authority back to the democratically elected government.
The crisis was sparked by the fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The dispute split the House of Assembly, resulted in impeachment threats, and triggered violent protests. Tinubu’s earlier peace deal collapsed, paving the way for the imposition of emergency rule.
Pipeline explosions in Gokana and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas added to the chaos, raising fears about the safety of critical oil infrastructure.
In his statement lifting the order, Tinubu said governance would resume under Fubara’s leadership. But by 2 p.m. Thursday, after hours of waiting, supporters dispersed, wearing downcast expressions.
Among those present were former officials and pro-Fubara lawmakers, including Evans Bipi and Victor Oko-Jumbo. Former Commissioner Solomon Eke commented:
“Everybody is happy with what is happening. You can see that it is a spontaneous action; it is not organised. People just came out because of the announcement.”
Meanwhile, pro-Wike loyalists and newly elected local government chairmen were conspicuously absent.
Music bands, women’s groups, and youth organizations staged celebrations at the Government House entrance, calling Fubara “the best governor in Nigeria.”
A source close to the governor revealed he was in Abuja for consultations on appointments and would return Friday.
Assembly Steps In
The Rivers State House of Assembly, under Speaker Martins Amaewhule, reconvened for the first time in six months. Lawmakers urged Fubara to send in commissioner-nominees and an appropriation bill to restore fiscal order.
Amaewhule praised Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions, saying the Assembly would work closely with the executive under the Nigerian Constitution.
Transition From Ibas
Vice Admiral Ibas, in his handover address, reflected on restoring stability. He said:
“Six months ago, President Bola Tinubu entrusted me with the solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State… Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective efforts, the mandate has been accomplished.”
He listed achievements such as local government elections, statutory boards, and the passage of the state budget.
Elders Seek Healing
The Rivers Elders Forum, led by Rufus Ada-George and Gabriel Toby, issued a statement urging reconciliation among stakeholders. They called for unity and urged the people to reject violence.
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