Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has resurfaced in Port Harcourt after a mysterious no-show on Thursday left thousands of supporters disappointed and speculation swirling about his whereabouts.
On Thursday, Government House and its surroundings were flooded with supporters, political allies, cultural troupes, and musicians from as early as 7:00 a.m., expecting Fubara to make a public appearance following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule declared in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, as hours passed with no address or sign of the governor, the mood turned from celebratory to uncertain.
By 4:00 p.m., the crowd had dispersed, and top aides quietly exited without answers. Even senior government officials admitted they were unaware of the governor’s location. Security personnel restricted access to the Brick House, Fubara’s official residence, heightening public anxiety about his next steps.
Despite the absence, government activities resumed across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms. The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, reconvened and passed a motion calling for an investigation into activities during the emergency administration under Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. Lawmakers also urged Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees and a supplementary budget for the fiscal year.
The uncertainty was finally laid to rest on Friday, when Governor Fubara addressed the state in a televised broadcast. In his 22-point address, Fubara broke his silence on the political crisis that led to the emergency declaration and called for unity and reconciliation going forward.
“It is without doubt that the last six months had been enormously challenging for our dear State under the emergency rule,” Fubara said. “As your Governor, I accepted to abide by the state of emergency declaration and chose to cooperate with Mr. President and the National Assembly… no sacrifice was too great to secure peace, stability, and progress of Rivers State.”
He explained his decision not to challenge the constitutionality of the emergency declaration and praised President Tinubu for brokering peace among key political actors, including himself, former Governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and members of the House of Assembly.
“We believe the political crisis is now behind us… though not without the hard lessons learnt,” Fubara stated, emphasizing the need for lasting reconciliation. “The responsibility now rests squarely on us… to put aside our differences and work for the common good.”
Fubara reaffirmed his loyalty to the President and expressed gratitude for the return of democratic governance.
“I will never take Mr. President’s kindness for granted. I hereby reaffirm my utmost loyalty and eternal gratitude,” he said.
Addressing the fears of many Rivers residents who remain skeptical of the peace process, Fubara urged patience and inclusivity.
“Nothing has been irretrievably lost… There remains ample opportunity for necessary adjustments, continued reconciliation, and inclusiveness,” he said, quoting the adage, “The costliest peace is cheaper than the cheapest war.”
The governor also committed to resuming full governance, focusing on completing ongoing infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects.
“Our immediate responsibility is to return to the path of governance and development… I commit to working harmoniously with the Rivers State House of Assembly to recover lost grounds,” he said.
In a tone of gratitude and forward-looking optimism, Fubara thanked the people of Rivers State for their patience during the emergency rule and called on all stakeholders to work together.
“Let us draw strength from our shared identity as Rivers people. Our diversity is our greatest asset, and our unity the strongest guarantee of our future,” he concluded.
Fubara also acknowledged the roles of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and other federal lawmakers in resolving the crisis, as well as traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society for their support.
As the dust settles on a turbulent chapter in Rivers State’s political history, all eyes will now be on how the Fubara administration navigates the delicate task of reconciliation and returns to the business of governance.
