Thousands of eager supporters gathered at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday morning, hoping to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to office after a six-month emergency rule.
But after hours of waiting, they left disappointed.
Supporters had arrived as early as 6 a.m. from across the statestate, including rural areas, in anticipation of Fubara’s return following President Bola Tinubu’s formal declaration ending the state of emergency in Rivers.
By midday, between 12 pm and 1 pm, the crowd began to disperse as there was still no sign of the governor.
Some visibly frustrated supporters, including former local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, were seen making frantic phone calls trying to locate the governor.
Among those present were former Obio/Akpor chairman, Chijioke Ihunwo, and Port Harcourt City’s former chairman, Ezebunwo Itche-Mati.
These sacked LG bosses had brought along their followers in a show of support.
Notably absent were supporters of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and political rival of Fubara.
Newly elected LG chairmen allied with Wike were also nowhere to be seen at the Government House.
Some disappointed attendees voiced their frustration.
“We are going because we are hungry. Maybe when the governor comes, we will return,” one supporter said.
The gathering came on the heels of the official end of the emergency rule imposed earlier this year.
The emergency was declared by President Tinubu in March due to the escalating political conflict between Governor Fubara and the state House of Assembly, which is dominated by loyalists of Minister Wike.
During the emergency period, political structures were suspended and a caretaker administrator, Ibas, was appointed to stabilize the state.
With the emergency rule lifted, the expectation was high for a symbolic return of Governor Fubara.
