Uncertainty gripped Rivers State on Thursday as thousands of supporters who had gathered at the Government House, Port Harcourt, to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara went home disappointed after he failed to show up.
Fubara was expected to resume his duties following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared on March 18 by President Bola Tinubu, which placed former naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as the state’s sole administrator. On Wednesday, the President officially lifted the emergency rule, reinstating Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.
The prolonged crisis in Rivers had pitted Fubara against his predecessor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, with the power tussle splitting the House of Assembly, sparking impeachment threats, violent protests, and even the burning of the Assembly complex. Tinubu’s peace deal failed to fully restore calm, leading to the drastic measure of emergency rule.
Supporters thronged the Government House as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday, but by 2 p.m., it became clear the governor would not appear. Many of his loyalists, including former commissioners and recently sacked local government chairmen, were present, trying to reach his camp for clarity. Jubilations had earlier broken out across Port Harcourt, with women’s groups, bands, and processions celebrating his anticipated return.
Security operatives struggled to control the massive crowd, while traffic diversions forced commuters to trek long distances. An aide later disclosed that Fubara was in Abuja and would likely return Friday.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that his absence was linked to negotiations over key appointments. Wike’s camp is said to be pressing for control of strategic offices such as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and several commissioner positions.
However, Wike denied meddling in Fubara’s administration during an interview on Channels Television, insisting he had “no candidate” and would not impose appointments.
“There is no law that says the governor must resume work today. Governance doesn’t mean one must be physically present in the office,” Wike stated, dismissing concerns over Fubara’s absence.
Despite the uncertainty, allies of the governor maintained that Rivers people remain solidly behind him, describing his reinstatement as a victory for democracy and the people’s will.