Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially resumed office following his reinstatement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor is scheduled to address the entire state in a live broadcast at exactly 6:00 p.m. today, signaling the end of a six-month period of emergency rule and the restoration of democratic governance in Rivers State.
Fubara’s aircraft touched down at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at precisely 11:50 a.m. on Friday. His arrival concluded weeks of public speculation and intense political anticipation regarding the timing of his return to active duty. The six-month emergency rule, initially declared in March, had suspended elected officials, including the governor and his deputy, amidst political tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, effectively halting normal governance in the state.
President Tinubu’s decision to lift the emergency rule earlier this week restored democratic leadership in Rivers and marked a significant step towards stabilizing the political climate. The lifting of the emergency rule was widely seen as a move to promote peace, reconciliation, and continuity of government operations within the state.
Warm Reception at the Airport
Upon arrival, Governor Fubara was greeted by a large gathering of top politicians, party loyalists, and hundreds of supporters who converged at the airport to welcome him back. The crowd included prominent figures such as former Commissioner for Information, Barr. Emma Okah; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; and the former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Additionally, other notable attendees included Sydney Gbara, Evans Bipi, Chisom Gbali, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, Igwe Achese, and former council chairmen Ezebunwo Ichemati and Evans Bipi, among others. The turnout highlighted the widespread support for Fubara’s return and underscored the significance of this moment for political stakeholders and ordinary citizens alike.
Reflecting on the reception, Governor Fubara stated: “I am humbled by what I saw at the airport. I was also briefed about what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity. It is not just a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to Rivers State and its people.”
Scheduled Broadcast at 6:00 p.m.
Governor Fubara emphasized that the warm reception served as a reaffirmation of the strong bond between his administration and the people of Rivers State. He assured the public that his government would continue to prioritize the welfare of citizens and carry out initiatives that have earned the confidence and support of the populace.
He added: “The massive reception by the number of people who came out to celebrate is a reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving. I want to assure you that we will continue to do those things that have made you people love us. I want to appreciate everyone and to say that we love you.”
Governor Fubara further disclosed that his official 6:00 p.m. state broadcast would formally recognize all stakeholders who played critical roles in restoring peace, stability, and normalcy to Rivers State. He said: “We are going to address the state officially by 6:00 p.m., and in that broadcast, every authority that gave support to this normalcy will be properly recognized. This will include political leaders, security agencies, and community representatives who contributed to ensuring a smooth transition back to democratic governance.”
The broadcast is expected to provide reassurance to citizens, outline the government’s immediate plans, and set the tone for a new era of stability, transparency, and development across Rivers State. It also marks a pivotal moment for Fubara to communicate directly with his constituents, rebuild trust, and demonstrate his administration’s readiness to resume full governance duties following a period of political turbulence.