The much-anticipated return to democratic rule in Rivers State after six months of emergency administration got off to a shaky start on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, failed to appear at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Despite the official lifting of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu on September 17, Fubara—who left the country shortly after his suspension on March 18—did not resume office as expected, fuelling speculation over his absence.
Sources in Abuja said the governor was meeting key political stakeholders on the next steps before returning to Rivers, while others feared he may have been “robbed” of his constitutional powers during the federal takeover.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s predecessor, Nyesom Wike, however, dismissed fears of a prolonged absence, revealing in a Channels Television interview that he had spoken to the governor.
“I have spoken to Governor Fubara and he assured me of his readiness to return to the country to assume office,” Wike said.
Asked if he would support Fubara for a second term, Wike replied that it was “too early” to make such a commitment.
Meanwhile, thousands of enthusiastic supporters, dressed in colourful attire and representing all 23 local government areas of the state, waited outside the Government House gates from as early as 7 a.m., singing and dancing in anticipation of Fubara’s arrival. After more than 12 hours of waiting, they left disappointed around 7 p.m. when the governor failed to appear.
Many residents expressed relief over the end of emergency rule, hoping the return to civilian administration would speed up development and recovery after months of political paralysis.
Wike also revealed that he had reconciled with Fubara, putting their bitter political feud behind them.
“I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” he said.
