Crowd Disperses In Disappointment As Governor Fubara Fails To Show Up At Government House

The Rivers State Government House remained deserted on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to return to the state following the expiration of the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

Hundreds of supporters, including loyalists and kinsmen from the Ijaw ethnic nationality, had gathered at the Brick House gate to welcome the governor back, but went home in disappointment as he did not show up.

The outgone Sole Administrator of the state had earlier in the day formally ended his duty and pulled out of the Brick House, fueling expectations of Fubara’s immediate resumption.

A source within Government House, who preferred not to be named, confirmed that the facility was practically empty. “Nothing is happening in that place now until the governor resumes. That place is just empty. Many workers were not even allowed in. It is like during transitions. Only a few civil servants and security personnel are around,” the source disclosed.

Former Port Harcourt City Council Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, described the day as historic, noting that Rivers people were not only celebrating the lifting of the emergency rule but also the anticipated return of the governor. “Rivers people are thanking the president for restoring democratic governance so that both the Executive and Legislature can work together for the benefit of the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed Fubara’s readiness to return to Rivers State. Speaking during a Thursday interview on Channels Television, Wike disclosed that he has reconciled with his successor.

“I have already said that we’ve been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. We must move forward,” Wike stated. He also accused some individuals of attempting to twist the law and create fresh crisis despite the president’s intervention.

Fubara, his deputy Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly were suspended in March following a protracted political crisis in the state. President Tinubu’s decision on Wednesday to lift the six-month emergency rule paved the way for their reinstatement.

At press time, however, the governor was still out of the country and had yet to assume office.