Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara delayed his expected return to Government House on Thursday despite the lifting of emergency rule, as the House of Assembly resumed plenary and vowed to review the past six months’ finances.
Supporters of reinstated Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara waited in vain Thursday as he failed to appear at the Government House, Port Harcourt, despite the end of a six-month emergency rule. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu terminated the rule at midnight Wednesday, paving the way for Fubara and the state legislature to resume duties. Crowds gathered from 6 a.m., blocking major roads with music and dance, but security operatives kept gates shut and gave no explanation.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike disclosed on national television that Fubara was returning from a European vacation and assured “peace has returned,” adding, “I have already said that we’ve been speaking… Everything is over.”
Meanwhile, Speaker Martins Amaewhule led 26 lawmakers in their first post-emergency plenary, commending Tinubu and demanding the governor submit commissioner nominees and an appropriation bill. The Assembly also resolved to probe contracts and spending under Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, whose tenure ended with the emergency rule. The House adjourned until Monday.