Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to Port Harcourt after six months away from office. He arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday at about 12:19 p.m.
His return comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State in March. Hundreds of supporters gathered at the VIP wing of the airport to welcome him back, cheering as his convoy drove past.
On Thursday, the State House of Assembly resumed sitting for the first time since the suspension of democratic activities. Many residents had expected the governor to head straight to the Government House, but he stayed away despite the crowd waiting at the gates.
Former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, reacted on national television, stressing that Fubara was not legally compelled to resume on Thursday.
Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were forced out of office on March 18 when Tinubu declared emergency rule following a bitter political crisis. The clash between Fubara and his predecessor Wike over control of the state plunged the assembly into divisions and created months of instability.
The President then appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator of the oil-rich state. Ibas officially handed over power on Wednesday night after urging all political actors to embrace peace, dialogue, and mutual respect.
In June, Tinubu met with Fubara, Wike, and Speaker Martin Amaewhule, signaling a move toward reconciliation. But Rivers politics has remained tense as supporters of both camps continue to jostle for influence.
During his short tenure as administrator, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission led by Michael Odey. This paved the way for local council elections across all 23 councils on August 30. The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in just three.
Now that Fubara is back, questions remain about how he will navigate the political power struggle that has defined his administration since 2023. Supporters hope his return will stabilize the state, but analysts warn that the rivalry between him and Wike could resurface.
For now, Rivers residents wait to see whether Governor Fubara will return to Government House in the coming days or continue to tread cautiously as he reclaims authority in a state still healing from
months of crisis.
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