Rivers Supporters Left Disappointed as Fubara Fails to Appear After Reinstatement

Thousands of supporters who gathered at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday to welcome reinstated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara left disappointed after he failed to appear.

Fubara was scheduled to resume duties following the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18. On Wednesday, Tinubu announced the cessation of the emergency, ending the tenure of ex-naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd) as the state’s sole administrator.

Rivers has faced one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political crises, driven by a bitter fallout between Fubara and his predecessor, now FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Their rift over control of state structures split the House of Assembly, sparked impeachment attempts, protests and violent clashes, including the burning of the Assembly complex.

Tinubu’s peace deal earlier in the year failed to resolve the crisis, prompting the declaration of emergency rule. During the tension, ex-agitators and local groups threatened to destroy oil facilities if Fubara was removed from office.

On Thursday, supporters began arriving at the Government House gates along Azikiwe Street as early as 6am. By 2pm, when it became clear the governor would not show up, they dispersed with gloomy faces. Former commissioners Evans Bipi, Solomon Eke, Chisom Gbala and Prince Emejuru were present alongside pro-Fubara lawmakers Victor Oko-Jumbo and Sokari Goodboy, as well as several sacked local government chairmen.

Supporters marched, sang and danced at the entrance, with women’s groups in uniform displaying Fubara’s portraits. Security operatives had difficulty controlling the traffic and crowds. Later, an aide confirmed the governor was in Abuja and would return on Friday.

Behind the scenes, sources said negotiations over key appointments slowed Fubara’s return. Wike was alleged to be pushing for the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff and a majority of commissioners to come from his camp. Wike, however, denied interfering, insisting on Channels Television that he had no candidate and would not impose officials.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, resumed sitting and called on Fubara to submit commissioner-nominees for screening and forward the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The House also pledged to review expenditures made during emergency rule.

In his farewell broadcast, Ibas said his mandate of restoring law and order, conducting local government elections and stabilising state institutions had been achieved. He urged Rivers people to support Fubara’s administration while warning that unity and vigilance were essential to preserving democracy.

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, chaired by former governor Rufus Ada-George, also called on political actors to embrace reconciliation and work together for peace, accountability and development.

While the emergency rule has ended, Rivers State faces a critical test of unity and leadership as Fubara prepares to officially return to duty.