Thousands of Rivers State residents who had gathered around the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday left disappointed after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to appear, hours after the official end of emergency rule in the state.
The crowd, made up of supporters, party loyalists, and well-wishers, had converged early in the day in anticipation of the governor’s return to office, hoping to see him resume duty and address the public following six months of federal control.
But by 5:00 p.m., there was still no sign of Fubara, and the once-energetic atmosphere had faded into silence. Many in the crowd began to disperse, expressing uncertainty and concern over the governor’s absence.
No official statement has been issued by the state government to explain why Governor Fubara did not make a public appearance.
The expectation for Fubara’s appearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday that the state of emergency, imposed in March 2025, had been lifted.
The president cited improved political stability and a renewed commitment to democratic governance by stakeholders across Rivers State.
“There is a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm among all stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance,” Tinubu said in a televised statement.
The transitional military administrator, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, formally handed over power to the elected leadership in a quiet ceremony late Wednesday.
In his farewell address, Ibas urged political actors in the state to embrace mutual respect, reconciliation, and dialogue going forward.
While Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu is also expected to resume alongside Fubara, neither has made any public statement since the handover.
Supporters who gathered at the Government House carried banners and chanted songs of solidarity, hoping for a brief appearance or speech from the governor.
As hours passed without any communication from the state leadership, many began to leave, visibly disheartened.
