Rivers State Governor, Siminialayi Fubara failed to resume duties on Thursday ,18 September,2025 after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on the March, 18.
It was expected that the governor, who had been out of the country, would make a stunning return to the state resume office, Thursday. But at press time, Fubara was nowhere to be found around the state.
Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who were also suspended, resumed duties but Fubara, the state governor was not seen in Government House.
The outgone Sole Administrator of the State had earlier, on Thursday, declared end to his duty in the state and left the Brick House.
On Wednesday, it was anticipated that Fubara would return to resume his duty as governor of the state, next day (Thursday).
People’s expectations were dashed on Thursday. Large crowd , his supporters and his kinsmen from the Ijaw ethic nationality stormed the government house’s gate awaiting the return of the governor. They waited tll dusk the governor did not arrive the government house or put up appearance anywhere around the state.
Source close to Newsline Global said the Government House Press Corps members, some protocol officers were shut of the facility.
“Nothing is happening in that place (Government House) now, until the governor resumes.That place is just empty.
“Many workers were not allowed to even enter government house. It happens like during transitions. Only some security personnel attached to the government house and civil servants working there are around. Until the governor resume, that place will remain quiet,” the source said.
The former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of the state, Ezebunwo Ichemati, said, “today is a unique day in Rivers State. Today, the state of emergency declared by Mr. President has been lifted and the governor is been expected.
“When he lifted the state of emergency, Rivers people were happy. They want to thank the president for lifting the state of emergency, so that the democratic governance be restored back where the governor will work in conjunction with the state of assembly.
“So we expect nothing less from both arms of government – Executive and Legislature. They are coming together to work and ensure that the dividends of democracy get to Rivers people.
“Rivers people are not just celebrating the return of the governor, but we also celebrating Mr. President, thanking him for ensuring that the state of emergency rule has been lifted.,” he said.
Hundreds of people who came out to welcome the governor after hours of waiting without Fubara seen ,went home disappointed.
In his reaction, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and former governor of Rivers State,Nyemson Wile said ” there is no rule that says Fubara must resume today ( Thursday,18 September).
Meanwhile, Rivers House of Assembly in their sitting , Thursday , asked Fubara to nominate Commissioners. As expected, they will probe emergency rule expenditure.
Author:Maureen Ikpeama