Just In: Crowd Awaits Return of Governor Fubara After Tinubu's Action

Just In: Crowd Awaits Return of Governor Fubara After Tinubu's Action

  • Reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara's supporters have stormed the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers, to welcome him to the state
  • The supporters on their second day of expecting the governor, who was reinstated by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17
  • The president had earlier declared a state of emergency in Rivers following the growing political crisis between the governor and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike

A crowd of supporters have stormed the VIP section of the Port Harcourt International Airport in Rivers state, waiting for the return of the now reinstated Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Sources who were privy to the whereabouts of the governor disclosed that the governor would soon arrive in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara's supporters have stormed the Port Harcourt airport to welcome the governor.
Supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara storm the airport to welcome him Photo Credit: @SimFubaraKSC
Source: Twitter

Rivers' lawmakers resume plenary

Following the political crisis that involved the governor, his predecessor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Martin Amaewhule-led State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the lawmakers in the state for six months.

Read also

Wike speaks on Fubara's whereabout as Rivers returns to democratic rule

However, President Tinubu on Wednesday, September 17, announced the end of the state of emergency he had earlier declared in the state.

While the state's House of Assembly resumed plenary on Thursday, September 18, the governor did not resume his duties at the government house. Even though hundreds of supporters had gathered to welcome him.

Tinubu noted that the rift between the two political gladiators in the state has started leading to the vandalisation of national assets and, by extension, leading to economic sabotage in the state, which is the background reason for the emergency.

Tinubu thanks National Assembly, Rivers elders

In his address, the president extended appreciation to the National Assembly for approving the declaration and shared the same concerns with him. He also appreciated the traditional rulers and the people of Rivers for promoting peace and stability during the period.

Read also

PDP makes 1 request from Fubara after Tinubu lifted his suspension

President Tinubu also disclosed that over 40 legal actions have been instituted against the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. He maintained that such were parts of democracy.

According to President Tinubu, the suits were instituted in different courts in Abuja, Rivers and Bayelsa states. However, he insisted that the power to declare a state of emergency is contained in Nigeria's constitution.

President Tinubu, in his address, warned against "misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations" in political space, adding that the dividends of democracy can only be realised where there is peace.

In his message to politicians, he emphasised the need for the executive and legislature to always work together so that they can fulfil their promises to the people.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state has returned to the state.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara returns to Nigeria Photo Credit: @SimFubaraKSC
Source: Twitter

PDP asks Fubara not to dump party

Legit.ng earlier reported that the PDP in Lagos has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who was recently reinstated by President Bola Tinubu, not to leave the party.

Read also

Wike defends Fubara's absence after Tinubu's order

Hakeem Olalemi, the PDP vice chairman (Lagos Central), urged the governor to make the party great in the state and the South-South region.

The PDP chieftain's comment came the day after President Tinubu announced the lifting of the state of emergency declared in Rivers earlier.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Bada Yusuf avatar

Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism and writing, he is also politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds B.A in Literature from OAU, and Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting, News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023) by Legit.ng. Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng