Port Harcourt came alive on Thursday as residents celebrated the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara after his six‑month suspension under the state of emergency. His return, authorized by President Bola Tinubu, sparked public joy and the revival of state institutions.
From as early as 7 am, supporters thronged the roads leading to the Government House, the State Secretariat, and nearby streets. Masquerades danced, musicians performed, and people flocked to Port Harcourt International Airport to await the Governor’s arrival.
“This is a new dawn for Rivers State,” declared one lively supporter near the Brick House, amid cheers and applause.
During Fubara’s absence, political turbulence had disrupted normal governance.
With the lifting of the emergency rule, administration across all arms resumed, starting with the judiciary.
Courts, which had been on annual vacation since July 21, reopened on September 17 as the Chief Registrar, David Ihua‑Maduenyi, called for lawyers and litigants to return to regular duties.
In addition, plans are underway for the State Assembly to reconvene soon.
Sources say lawmakers will soon resume sittings, tackling pending issues and re‑establishing their legislative oversight.
Political observers cautioned, however, that letting serious breaches of constitutional norms go unchallenged could set dangerous precedents.
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, an APC analyst, warned that ongoing public passivity in the face of political overreach could weaken democracy in Nigeria.
Governor Fubara is expected to officially resume his duties on Friday.
According to his aides, his immediate priority will be restoring administrative stability and focusing on development projects that were put on hold during the six‑month suspension.
