Rivers Residents Celebrate as Governor Fubara Returns to Office After Emergency Rule Ends

Thousands welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to office as Rivers State ends six months of emergency rule.

Residents celebrate the return of democratic governance and hope stalled projects will restart soon.

Thousands of Rivers State residents thronged the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara as he resumed duties following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu.

The emergency proclamation, declared on March 18, 2025, stemmed from a protracted political conflict between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The standoff crippled governance and culminated in the destruction of the State House of Assembly complex in late 2023. Allegations of oil pipeline vandalism and constitutional violations also deepened the crisis.

During the emergency period, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the state’s administration. His interim government focused on restoring calm and rebuilding confidence among residents. In his parting address, Ibas appealed to the state’s political leaders to maintain the stability achieved under his stewardship.

As Governor Fubara returned to office, jubilant supporters massed outside the Government House, drumming, dancing, and waving banners to signal their support. Observers say the large turnout reflects the governor’s enduring grassroots backing across the state.

With the emergency rule now over, Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly are set to resume their official duties. Many residents expressed optimism that stalled projects would resume and fresh initiatives would emerge to address the state’s pressing challenges.