Jubilation in Rivers State as Governor Siminalayi Fubara Resumes Duty After Six Months Away from Office

Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was thrown into wild jubilation on Friday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially resumed duties at the Government House, six months after he was forced to vacate office following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

The governor, who touched down at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:50 a.m., was greeted with a rousing welcome by a massive crowd of supporters, political associates, and admirers who had thronged the airport and major streets of the city to herald his much-anticipated return.

From the airport, Governor Fubara proceeded to the Government House, Port Harcourt, where he briefly addressed an enthusiastic crowd that had gathered to receive him.

Speaking with visible emotion, the governor said: “I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed. Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport. I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a show of the reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.”

Governor Fubara further assured the people of Rivers State of his renewed commitment to governance, promising to continue delivering the dividends of democracy that earned him the people’s trust.

“I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more,” he declared.

He also announced that he would be making a state broadcast at 6 p.m. on Friday, where he is expected to outline the next steps of his administration.

The governor’s return comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State on March 18, 2025. The rule had suspended normal governance and installed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.

Fubara’s comeback marks a significant turning point in Rivers politics, rekindling hopes of stability, continuity, and renewed governance for the oil-rich state.