Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday officially returned to the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, marking the end of a six-month suspension and political uncertainty in the oil-rich state.
After his return, he assured the people of the state that his government will continue to work in their best interest.
Fubara’s return follows the lifting of emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu on September 17, 2025, which had placed executive and legislative functions under federal control amid escalating political tensions.
The governor’s arrival was met with jubilant scenes as supporters thronged the streets and gathered outside the Government House, waving banners, chanting solidarity songs, and celebrating what they described as a ‘victory for democracy.’
Fubara, on Friday, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the state of emergency imposed on the state and ordered his reinstatement.
He expressed his gratitude to the people and residents of the State for the warm reception he received earlier at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ilwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Fubara stated, “I know everyone wants to hear something from me. In fact, you expected it when I landed at the Airport,” even as he appreciated the large turnout of residents who came out to welcome and celebrate his return.”
The governor described the reception as a display of love, confidence, and solidarity.
“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I’m really humbled by what I saw at the Airport. I was briefed on some photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me,” he said.
Governor Fubara noted that the massive reception was not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of the bond between his government and the people.
According to him, “It showed love, confidence and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just the celebration, the massive reception by the number of people who came out to celebrate, but the display and reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving.”
Fubara continued, “I want to assure you that we will by the grace of God, continue to do those things that has made you people love us. I want to appreciate everyone and to say that we love you but God love you more.”
The governor, however, disclosed that he will address the state officially by 6 pm, where he will appreciate everyone who contributed to bringing normalcy to the state.
“We are going to address the state officially by 6 pm and in that broadcast, we will appreciate everyone that brought normalcy to this state,” he stated.
Fubara was suspended in March 2025 following a prolonged standoff with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The crisis, which included impeachment threats, budgetary blockades, and security breakdowns, prompted the federal government to impose emergency rule under Section 305 of the Nigerian Constitution, which is the first such intervention in the state since 1999.
The PUNCH
