Fresh Tension In Rivers As Fubara Snubs Return To Government House, Full Details Emerge

Fresh political tensions have surfaced in Rivers State, stirring anxiety among residents, even after the lifting of a six-month emergency rule that had been imposed on the region.

The situation has been compounded by the mysterious absence of the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, leaving many to wonder about his whereabouts. Click to continue reading.

This uncertainty ignited a wave of anticipation early Thursday morning, as thousands of devoted supporters gathered outside the gates of the Government House in Port Harcourt as early as 6 a.m., eagerly awaiting the governor’s return. They hoped to witness his reappearance and celebrate his reinstatement, only to be met with disappointment as the hours passed without any sign of him.

As midday approached, the energy of the crowd began to wane. The governor, despite being reinstated following the official conclusion of the emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu, had not made any appearance. One by one, many supporters reluctantly left the scene, their enthusiasm dampened by his continued absence.

Among the loyal crowd were several sacked local government chairmen who remained steadfast in their support for Fubara, including the likes of Chijoke Ihunwo from Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati from Port Harcourt City. In stark contrast, the event was noticeably devoid of allies of the former Governor Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the newly elected local government chairmen who are perceived to be aligned with him.

The governor’s absence followed a momentous declaration from President Bola Tinubu the previous Wednesday, which formally lifted the emergency rule in Rivers State. This rule had not only suspended Fubara but also his deputy, Ngozi Nma Odu, alongside members of the House of Assembly, with Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) appointed as the sole administrator during that turbulent period.

Meanwhile, the legislative arm of the state resumed its activities on Thursday at the conference hall of the legislative quarters, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule taking charge of the proceedings.

The lawmakers wasted no time, launching an inquiry into the state’s finances during Ibas’s administration, while also urging Governor Fubara to submit a list of nominees for commissioners for their scrutiny. The atmosphere in Rivers State remains charged, with political uncertainty lingering in the air.