Governor Fubara was scheduled to resume duties following the end of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.

The President had on Wednesday announced the cessation of emergency rule, ending the tenure of ex-naval chief Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) as Rivers State’s sole administrator.

President Tinubu initially intervened with a peace deal, which failed to calm tensions, leading to the imposition of emergency rule.

As tensions escalated, local groups and ex-agitators threatened to destroy oil installations should the governor be impeached by the pro-Wike House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule.

Explosions also rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline and other pipeline manifolds in March, further heightening security concerns.

In his Wednesday statement, President Tinubu said: “The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from September 18, 2025… It gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State shall end with effect from midnight today (Wednesday).”

Many of Fubara’s supporters thronged the Government House gates along Azikiwe Street as early as 6 a.m., arriving from different parts of the state. By 2 p.m., when it became clear that the governor would not appear, they began leaving, wearing long, gloomy faces.

Political allies including Evans Bipi, Solomon Eke, Chisom Gbala, and Prince Emejuru were seen making frantic phone calls to ascertain the governor’s whereabouts.

Women’s groups clad in red, pink, and other uniforms marched to celebrate the end of emergency rule, while three music bands stationed at different points filled the air with songs and dances celebrating Fubara’s anticipated return.

According to an aide who spoke anonymously, Governor Fubara was still in Abuja on Thursday but would return to Port Harcourt to resume work on Friday. Security operatives had a hectic time managing the crowd and traffic was diverted around the Government House area.

Sources revealed that ongoing negotiations over key appointments contributed to the governor’s absence. Wike is allegedly insisting that the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and majority of commissioners come from his camp. Negotiations had not been concluded as of Thursday.

On Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Wike denied the allegations, saying he would not impose appointees on Fubara: “I cannot go and impose anything on the governor. Why would I impose anything on the governor?”

The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first plenary after six months of emergency rule, called on Governor Fubara to immediately forward the list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation. It also requested that the governor submit a new Appropriation Bill and disclose how funds were spent during the emergency rule.

Late Wednesday, Vice-Admiral Ibas formally handed over governance to Fubara, stating he had fulfilled his mandate of restoring order, conducting local government elections, and reconstituting statutory boards and commissions.

Ibas warned that Rivers State would still require vigilance, sacrifice, and leadership anchored on truth, urging political actors to manage differences and strengthen institutions.

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former Governor Chief Rufus Ada-George, issued a statement calling on Fubara, the Assembly, and other stakeholders to embrace reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity. Acting Chairman Dr. Gabriel Toby stressed the need for rededication to good governance and service to the people.

The forum urged citizens to reject violence, support lawful governance, and actively participate in rebuilding the state.