Thousands Gather at Rivers Govt House as Fubara Returns After Six-Month Emergency Rule

Thousands of jubilant Rivers State residents gathered on Thursday morning at the Government House in Port Harcourt to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, as they resume leadership after six months of emergency rule.

The crowd, waving banners and singing solidarity songs, lined the streets leading to the Government House hours before the governor’s arrival. Many described the moment as a “new dawn” for the state after a prolonged political crisis that threatened to spiral out of control earlier this year.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday evening announced the termination of the emergency rule he imposed on March 18, 2025, paving the way for Fubara to resume office. The President had cited the risk of anarchy following the bitter political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, which spilled into the state legislature and paralyzed governance.

Transition of Power

The outgoing sole administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over power to Fubara in a brief ceremony late Wednesday night. In his farewell broadcast, Ibas urged political actors in Rivers to “embrace mutual respect, dialogue, and the spirit of reconciliation” to sustain peace in the state.

Ibas, who was appointed at the height of the crisis, presided over the state for six months, overseeing security operations and stabilizing government institutions. He also supervised the controversial local government elections held on August 30, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) win 20 of the 23 councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clinched the remaining three.

Political Crisis and Reconciliation

Fubara’s troubles began months after his May 2023 inauguration when his relationship with Wike broke down over control of the state’s political structure. The disagreement escalated into a full-blown crisis, polarizing the Rivers State House of Assembly and leading to violent clashes among supporters.

The impasse reached a tipping point when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, a move he defended on Wednesday as necessary to prevent “complete breakdown of law and order in an oil-rich state critical to Nigeria’s economy.”

Tinubu later facilitated peace talks involving Fubara, Wike, and Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, leading to a tentative reconciliation in June. The two political heavyweights were later seen together at a state function, signaling a thaw in their frosty relationship.

Atmosphere of Expectation

Thursday’s atmosphere in Port Harcourt was charged with excitement as security operatives cordoned off major roads around the Government House to control the surging crowd. Traders, civil servants, and youth groups turned the event into a carnival, with drummers and cultural dancers performing to welcome Fubara.

“This is a victory for democracy,” said Tonye Briggs, a civil society activist present at the event. “We are happy to have our governor back, and we hope this will mark the end of political fighting in Rivers State.”

State emergency officials were also on standby to manage the large turnout. Government sources said Fubara is expected to address the people later today, outlining his priorities for the remainder of his tenure.

Looking Ahead

Political analysts say Fubara’s return will test the durability of the truce between him and Wike. While both men have pledged to work together for the peace of the state, there are concerns about the lingering tensions within the PDP and the potential fallout from the APC’s control of most local government councils.

“Rivers State is too strategic for Nigeria to experience prolonged instability,” said Dr. Stella Egwu, a political analyst at the University of Port Harcourt. “The challenge now is for all actors to put personal ambition aside and focus on governance, development, and restoring confidence in democratic institutions.”

As Fubara prepares to officially retake office, expectations are high among residents that the state government will quickly address stalled projects and resume normal administrative activities.

For now, the mood in Rivers remains celebratory, a moment of relief after months of uncertainty.