Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially returned to Port Harcourt, marking his long-awaited comeback after six months of emergency rule in the state.
Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:50 a.m. on Friday, where he was received by a jubilant crowd of supporters who had gathered since morning at the VIP wing of the airport.
Background
His return comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the state of emergency imposed on Rivers on March 18, 2025. The measure was introduced following a deepening political crisis between Governor Fubara and key stakeholders in the state.
During the emergency rule, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as administrator. He formally handed over power on Wednesday night, urging political leaders to embrace mutual respect and dialogue in the interest of peace and progress.
Delay in Resumption
Although the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed sitting on Thursday, Governor Fubara did not immediately return to the Government House. His absence left hundreds of his supporters who had gathered in anticipation of his resumption disappointed.
However, former Rivers governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, clarified during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today that there was no legal compulsion for Fubara to resume on Thursday, insisting the decision remained entirely at the governor’s discretion.
Next Steps
Fubara, alongside his deputy Ngozi Odu, is now expected to fully retake the reins of leadership in Rivers State after half a year away from governance. Political watchers say his return will be closely monitored amid calls for reconciliation and stability in the oil-rich state.
