Democracy formally returned to Rivers State yesterday after six months of emergency rule, but the anticipated homecoming of Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to materialize, leaving thousands of supporters frustrated.
The Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary for the first time since March, but neither Governor Fubara nor his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, appeared. Instead, a massive crowd that had gathered at Government House, Port Harcourt, from across the 23 local government areas dispersed at nightfall after waiting fruitlessly since early morning.
Fubara, suspended from office on March 18 before leaving the country, was widely expected to resume alongside the lawmakers. His absence fueled fresh speculation: some feared he might delay return due to diminished powers, while others claimed he was still in Abuja consulting key political players.
In an interview on Channels Television, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Fubara’s predecessor, Nyesom Wike, sought to calm nerves. He confirmed he had spoken to the governor, who assured him of readiness to resume office soon.
Earlier, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), who served as Sole Administrator during the emergency period, officially bowed out. Handing over to elected officials, Ibas praised President Bola Tinubu for restoring order, urged Rivers people to rally behind Fubara, and cautioned against renewed instability.
He, however, offered no account of expenditures during his six-month tenure, despite repeated calls for transparency.
Assembly Sets Agenda, Demands Commissioners List and Budget
Inside the chamber, lawmakers wasted no time setting a legislative roadmap for the remainder of their session.
Through a motion moved by House Leader Major Jack and co-sponsored by eight members, the Assembly called on Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and to present a new appropriation bill reflecting present realities.
Speaker Martin Amaewhule commended President Tinubu for “restoring democratic institutions” and pledged that the House would abide by both the Constitution and the terms of the Abuja peace parley.
A statement issued by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu, said the House also resolved to scrutinize contracts and expenditures made under the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund during the emergency rule.
Disappointed Supporters Disperse
Meanwhile, outside Government House, expectations turned to despair. From as early as 7 a.m., supporters poured in from all corners of the state, drumming, singing, and waiting for their governor. By 7 p.m., hope had faded and the crowd quietly dispersed—still waiting for Fubara’s long-anticipated return to Port Harcourt.
