(DDM) – A carnival-like atmosphere engulfed Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as thousands of Rivers State residents thronged the Government House to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to office.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the show of support drew men, women, and youths from across the state, many of whom began arriving at the Government House as early as 6 a.m. to demonstrate solidarity with the reinstated governor.
The mammoth crowd spilled onto the Azikiwe Old Port Harcourt Township Road, bringing traffic to a standstill for hours as drummers, dancers, and singers transformed the area into a scene of jubilation.
Observers likened the energy to a street carnival, with groups of performers lining the streets leading to Brick House, the seat of power in Rivers State, awaiting the governor’s arrival with chants, songs, and traditional displays.
Among the prominent figures who spearheaded the crowd’s mobilization were Darlington Orji, Sokare Goodboy, and Ezebunwo Ichemati. Their presence lent both structure and excitement to the gathering, as residents seized the opportunity to affirm loyalty to the governor.
The event served not only as a public celebration but also as a clear political statement, reinforcing the governor’s grassroots base and sending a message to rivals that he remains firmly in touch with his people.
For many residents, the return of Fubara symbolized relief and renewed hope after months of political turbulence in the state, during which President Bola Tinubu had suspended democratic governance under a six-month state of emergency.
The mass turnout also underscored the depth of Fubara’s connection with ordinary citizens, whose drumming and singing echoed through the city center in scenes rarely witnessed at Government House.
Residents who spoke to DDM described the reception as both emotional and historic, stressing that their presence was a duty to “protect democracy” and to “stand by a governor chosen by the people.”
Despite the joyous mood, the huge turnout created significant disruptions to vehicular movement, with many commuters stranded for hours in Port Harcourt’s central district.
Security operatives were seen making efforts to control the crowd and ease traffic, but the sheer scale of the gathering made management difficult.
The warm welcome comes at a politically sensitive time, as Fubara resumes his duties amid lingering divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly, where factions loyal to different camps continue to hold separate sessions.
Political analysts note that the public embrace of Fubara could strengthen his hand in dealing with legislative factions and consolidating authority in the wake of his reinstatement.
The celebratory mood was expected to continue into the evening, with organizers preparing speeches and further programs designed to showcase solidarity between the governor and his people.
By day’s end, the images of the massive turnout circulated widely on social media, amplifying the perception that Governor Fubara enjoys overwhelming grassroots backing.
Many residents described the moment as history repeating itself, with Rivers people once again rallying behind their leader during political turbulence.
For Fubara, the carnival-like reception is more than a welcome home, it is a reminder of the power of popular legitimacy in Nigeria’s turbulent political arena.
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