PHOTO FILE: Rivers State Governor, Siminalaye Fubara

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

Fubara was expected to resume duties on Thursday following the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18. The President had, on Wednesday, announced the cessation of the emergency rule, ending the tenure of Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state.

Rivers has endured one of Nigeria’s fiercest political crises, pitting Fubara against his predecessor and now FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Their fallout over control of state structures split the House of Assembly and triggered impeachment threats, protests, and the burning of the Assembly complex.

Although President Tinubu brokered a peace deal, tensions persisted, with ex-agitators threatening to attack oil facilities if Fubara was impeached. Days before the emergency rule was declared, two explosions hit sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline and a pipeline manifold in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

In a statement announcing the end of the emergency rule, Tinubu said Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and Speaker Martin Amaewhule would “resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.”

Supporters Disappointed
By 6 a.m. on Thursday, crowds of women’s groups, local leaders and bands gathered at the Government House entrance, dancing and carrying Fubara’s portraits. Traffic around the area was diverted as security operatives struggled to control the swelling crowd.

By 2 p.m., when it became clear the governor would not show up, the supporters began dispersing. Several of his allies, including former commissioners Evans Bipi, Solomon Eke, and Chisom Gbala, as well as sacked local government chairmen, were seen making frantic calls to ascertain his whereabouts.

An aide later told journalists that Fubara was in Abuja and would return to Port Harcourt on Friday to resume work.

Battle Over Appointments
Multiple sources said the governor’s delay was linked to ongoing negotiations over key appointments, with Wike allegedly pushing for his allies to occupy major positions such as Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff. Channels TV quoted Wike denying any interference, saying, “I cannot go and impose anything on the governor. I have no candidate, and I will not.”

He also dismissed concerns over Fubara’s absence: “There is no law that says he must resume work today. He is a governor. You don’t know what his programmes are.”

Assembly’s Demands
Meeting for the first time after six months, the Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly called on Fubara to immediately submit commissioner-nominees for screening and send in an Appropriation Bill to cover the rest of the year. The House resolved to review contract awards and expenditures during the emergency period and pledged to work with the governor within the terms of the peace deal and the Constitution.

Ibas Bows Out
Before handing back power, Vice-Admiral Ibas highlighted milestones achieved under the emergency rule, including restored order, local government elections, and a National Assembly-approved budget for the state. He warned that “the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions” and urged Rivers people to support Fubara wholeheartedly.

Criticism, however, trailed his last-minute swearing-in of Dr. Iringe Brown as substantive Head of Service. Rights activist Charles Jaja alleged the appointment “did not follow the rules of civil service” and urged Fubara to “uphold integrity by reversing it.”

Elders Call for Reconciliation
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former Governor Rufus Ada-George, issued a statement urging Fubara, the Assembly, and other stakeholders to embrace forgiveness and unity. Acting chairman Dr. Gabriel Toby called the governor’s return “a unique opportunity to reset and rebuild,” stressing that division weakens the state while unity strengthens it.

The forum asked citizens to reject violence, support lawful governance, and pray for wisdom for their leaders.