Breaking: Rivers Gov, Fubara Arrives In Port Harcourt, Greets Crowd
- Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, ending a six-month absence following the federal declaration of emergency rule
- His arrival came shortly after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency administration and reinstated civilian governance in the state
- Supporters gathered in large numbers at the Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome Fubara, whose political feud with predecessor Nyesom Wike had triggered months of instability
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, marking his first public appearance in the state since the end of a six-month emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor’s arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport at approximately 11:50 a.m. drew a large crowd of supporters who had gathered at the VIP wing in anticipation.
Source: Facebook
Governor Fubara’s return came more than 24 hours after President Tinubu formally concluded the emergency administration in Rivers State.
The emergency rule, which began on 18 March, had been imposed due to escalating political tensions between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
During the emergency period, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was appointed as the role administrator. Ibas officially handed over power on Wednesday night and, in a state broadcast, called on political stakeholders to “embrace mutual respect and dialogue.”
Rivers State House of Assembly resumes without governor’s presence
Despite the Rivers State House of Assembly resuming legislative activities on Thursday, Governor Fubara did not make an appearance at the Government House. His absence was notable, especially as hundreds of supporters had gathered in anticipation of his return to office.
However, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Minister Wike clarified that Fubara was not legally obligated to resume duties on Thursday. “Fubara was not under compulsion by law to resume on Thursday,” Wike stated.
See the video here
Political crisis in Rivers State, Fubara-Wike rift deepens
The political crisis in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023. Tensions between the governor and Wike intensified over control of the state’s political machinery—a recurring theme in Nigerian politics between incumbent governors and their predecessors.
The conflict eventually spilled into the House of Assembly, resulting in a division among lawmakers and contributing to the instability that led to the federal intervention.
Governor Fubara’s return signals a potential turning point in the state’s governance, though the path forward remains uncertain amid lingering political divisions.
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Rivers State Assembly makes fresh demands from Fubara
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Rivers State House of Assembly has formally called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara to forward the list of commissioner nominees for screening and confirmation, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The appeal came during the Assembly’s first legislative sitting on Thursday, following the conclusion of a six-month emergency rule triggered by a recent political impasse.
In addition to the request for commissioner nominees, the Assembly urged Governor Fubara to present an appropriation bill that accurately reflects the present socio-economic realities of Rivers State.
Source: Legit.ng
