Supporters expecting Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s return after emergency rule ended went home disappointed as he failed to appear, with aides citing his stay in Abuja amid political negotiations.
Thousands of supporters who thronged 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 following the end of a six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu in March. On Wednesday, Tinubu announced the cessation of the rule, declaring, “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025.”
Crowds began gathering at the Government House gate from as early as 6am, with women’s groups, former commissioners, ex-local government chairmen, and pro-Fubara lawmakers in attendance. By 2pm, however, many departed wearing gloomy faces after it became clear the governor would not show.
An aide later disclosed that Fubara was in Abuja and would return Friday. Sources linked his absence to ongoing negotiations over key appointments, which former governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was alleged to be influencing. Wike denied the claim, saying, “I cannot go and impose anything on the governor… I have no candidate, and I will not.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly urged Fubara to forward commissioner-nominees and a new budget proposal.
Elders under the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum also appealed for reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.