Democratic governance returned to Rivers State following six months of emergency rule, but Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, were conspicuously absent as the State House of Assembly resumed legislative duties.
Despite expectations, Governor Fubara did not appear at Government House in Port Harcourt, disappointing thousands of supporters who had gathered from all 23 local government areas since 7 a.m. Many dispersed by evening after waiting in vain.
Fubara had reportedly left the country following his suspension on March 18. Sources claim he is holding strategic meetings in Abuja before his return. However, Minister of the FCT and Fubara’s predecessor, Nyesom Wike, assured in a televised interview that the governor was ready to resume.
At its first sitting, the House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, called on Governor Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees and submit an appropriation bill reflecting current state realities.
The motion, sponsored by House Leader Major Jack and eight others, set the legislative agenda for the remainder of the 10th Assembly. Lawmakers emphasized the need to review contracts and financial activities during the emergency period.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who served as Sole Administrator during the emergency rule, officially handed power back to the elected government. He praised the restoration of order, the conduct of LG elections, and the passage of a state budget by the National Assembly.
Ibas, while silent on financial details of his tenure, warned against future political instability and urged support for Governor Fubara.
Supporters of Fubara, mainly from the Simplified Movement and former council chairmen, gathered at Government House in anticipation of his return. Some expressed frustration at the governor’s no-show, with one saying, “We are going because we are hungry. Maybe when the governor comes, we will return.”The Brick House (Governor’s Office) remains empty pending Fubara’s return.
In a Channels TV interview, FCT Minister Wike said reconciliation with Fubara has occurred and he bears no grudge. He, however, criticized unnamed individuals for undermining the peace process by misinterpreting local government election laws.
Wike commended President Tinubu’s intervention and stated, “Peace has returned to Rivers despite the efforts of conflict merchants.
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, condemned the emergency rule as unconstitutional and criticized Tinubu’s role, calling it a sign of authoritarianism.
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, described the emergency rule as a misstep that should never have occurred. He urged political leaders in Rivers to learn from the crisis and pursue peace. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that President Tinubu’s actions set a dangerous precedent. In a statement by spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, the party accused Tinubu of federal overreach, undermining democratic institutions, and treating elected officials like appointees.
