The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, made a triumphant return to Port Harcourt on Friday, putting to rest the uncertainty surrounding his reinstatement following the lifting of the state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu. This emergency rule had led to Fubara’s six-month suspension from office, which was officially revoked on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival at Port Harcourt International Airport around 12:19 p.m., Fubara was warmly welcomed by a large assembly of enthusiastic supporters who had gathered since early morning, eager to witness his homecoming.
It is important to recall that on September 17, President Tinubu officially ended the emergency status in Rivers State, reinstating Governor Fubara, his Deputy, and the members of the State House of Assembly. Despite this, Fubara did not immediately resume his duties on Thursday, much to the disappointment of the thousands who had congregated at the Government House in Port Harcourt, anticipating his prompt return.
While the Governor’s return to office was delayed, the Rivers State House of Assembly convened their first legislative session since the emergency was lifted. During this session, lawmakers reaffirmed their dedication to fulfilling their legislative responsibilities and addressing administrative voids created during the suspension period. A key agenda was the approval of commissioners for the various ministries, following a resolution to formally request Governor Fubara’s list of nominees.
Presiding over the session, Speaker Martins Amaewhule acknowledged the challenges posed by the six-month hiatus but emphasized the Assembly’s readiness to provide the necessary legislative support to ensure smooth governance. The lawmakers also agreed to promptly invite Governor Fubara to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill, signaling a swift return to normal legislative activities.
In a related development, youth leader and President of the South-South Youths Initiative, Mr. Savior Oscar, praised President Tinubu’s decision to lift the emergency rule. Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Oscar expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Rivers State, who had been deeply unsettled by the emergency declaration imposed on March 18.
“Today, September 18, 2025, marks a joyous occasion as democracy is restored in Rivers State,” Oscar stated. “This moment will be etched in our history as a testament to resilience. Although the emergency rule was a difficult period, we appreciate the President’s action to end it.”
Oscar urged Governor Fubara to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects and accelerate the delivery of effective governance across all sectors for the remainder of his tenure. He highlighted that the overwhelming public support for Fubara stemmed from his commitment to people-centered service.
Furthermore, the youth leader cautioned the Governor to remain vigilant in his dealings with politicians who may be driven by a desire to cling to power, warning that such ambitions could sow discord within the state.
Addressing recent protests during the final days of the previous administration under Ibas, Oscar called for a thorough investigation into grievances raised by security personnel regarding unpaid entitlements. He recounted a recent encounter with some of these aides near the Government House, who expressed frustration over delayed payments.
“We have witnessed viral footage of security officials protesting over unpaid dues,” Oscar remarked. “During my visit two weeks ago, these aides shared their concerns directly with me. It is imperative that President Tinubu looks into these matters to restore morale and order.”
This renewed political stability in Rivers State signals a hopeful path forward, with both government officials and citizens eager to rebuild and advance the state’s development agenda.
0 Comments