A crowd of supporters who thronged Government House and adjoining roads in Port Harcourt on Thursday to celebrate the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara were left in suspense and confusion after the governor failed to appear.
The supporters had gathered under the scorching sun to welcome the governor following President Bola Tinubu’s decision on Wednesday to lift the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
What was expected to be a celebration of democracy quickly turned into disappointment, with many describing it as a betrayal. Close aides of the governor reportedly had no knowledge of his whereabouts or when he would return to the state.
By 5:10 pm, when this report was filed, the previously crowded Government House area had been deserted, with only skeletal movement observed.
Political leaders, including Fubara’s former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, Evans Bipi, former local government chairmen Chijioke Ihunwo and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati, who arrived as early as 7:00 a.m., had left with their supporters. Musicians, masquerades, and dancers who caused a gridlock during the day’s festivities had also departed, as did some members of the press.
Security personnel reportedly barred staff from accessing the Brick House, further heightening concerns about the governor’s next move.
Despite Fubara’s absence, government activities across the three arms of government have resumed. The Rivers State judiciary announced the end of its annual vacation, with courts resuming normal sittings on September 17.
The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, also reconvened on Thursday, addressing key issues including the passage of a motion to probe activities under the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, during the emergency rule.
The motion, sponsored by nine lawmakers, including House Leader Major Jack, Linda Somiari-Stewart, and Sylvanus Nwankwo, commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state.
The House also requested Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for appointment as commissioners to the State Executive Council and prepare a supplementary appropriation bill for the remainder of the year to reflect current realities.
The lawmakers resolved to investigate contracts awarded and expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund during the emergency rule, citing the need for transparency and accountability.
They also pledged to develop a legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Assembly.
Reacting to the governor’s no-show, political analyst and Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR), Dr. Omenazu Jackson, described Fubara’s absence as a sign of fear and compromise.
“Governor Fubara is at a crossroads. He must either bolden up and defend the sacred mandate of the Rivers people or walk away,” Jackson said. “Leadership under siege demands courage, not silence. The people did not elect a governor to act as a hostage of power brokers.”
Conversely, APC chieftain Eze Chukwurmeka Eze commended Fubara’s decision to stay away, describing it as an act of restraint and wisdom.
“Those that suspended him for nothing must offer explanations for singling him out for this embarrassment,” Eze said. “If President Tinubu fails to assure him of his full powers and protection, I will advise him to stay away until the right things are done.”
Eze added that the probe ordered by the House of Assembly into the former Sole Administrator’s tenure would help the governor understand the state’s financial position before resuming duties.
As of press time, Governor Fubara had not addressed the public, leaving supporters and residents anxious about his next steps.
