Port Harcourt, Nigeria — A large crowd of supporters has converged at the VIP wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The governor, who has been away from the state, is expected to return to the capital following the recent lifting of the six-month emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu.
The political crisis, which involved Governor Fubara, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, led to a period of intense political instability. President Tinubu had declared an emergency rule and suspended Fubara, his deputy, and the state lawmakers for six months.
A Tense Homecoming
On Wednesday, President Tinubu announced the end of the emergency rule and restored democratic structures. This move was followed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, which resumed its sitting on Thursday. However, Governor Fubara had not appeared at the Government House, despite a crowd of hundreds of supporters who had previously gathered there to welcome him after the Sole Administrator, Ibok Ibas, vacated the premises.
The atmosphere at the airport is now one of heightened anticipation and political tension as the state awaits the governor’s official homecoming. The convergence of supporters at both the Government House and the airport highlights the public’s eagerness for the governor to officially resume his duties.
