Why Governor Fubara Delayed Return to Rivers Govt House After Emergency Rule Ended

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to resume duties today after President Bola Tinubu ended the six-month emergency rule in the state on Wednesday night. His delayed return to the Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday left supporters, who had gathered from dawn, waiting in vain.

Fubara, who was reinstated alongside members of the state House of Assembly, was still airborne when hundreds of loyalists assembled outside the Government House, drumming, singing, and blocking adjoining streets in anticipation of his arrival. Security operatives at the gate prevented anyone from entering, and after waiting for over seven hours without information, the crowd dispersed.

The absence of the governor was later explained by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who disclosed during a television interview that Fubara had been on vacation in Europe and only departed for Nigeria yesterday morning. Wike added that he had spoken with the governor on Wednesday and assured that peace had returned to the state. He also declared that he had reconciled with his successor, saying their political differences were now resolved.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly reconvened in its temporary chamber at the legislative quarters. In its first sitting since the end of emergency rule, the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, passed resolutions calling on the governor to submit commissioner nominees and an appropriation bill for the remainder of the year. They also resolved to review the budget and expenditures made under the administration of Administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas, who handed over on Wednesday night.

The Assembly commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions and pledged to work with Fubara under the peace agreement brokered earlier this year. Lawmakers stressed the need to probe contracts and spending during the six-month period, arguing that the 10th Assembly was excluded from the budget process.

Speaker Amaewhule adjourned plenary to Monday, assuring that the legislature was ready to resume full democratic duties in partnership with the governor.