Jubilation as Governor Fubara Returns to Rivers State After Six Months
- Nigeria News
- 19.09.2025
- No Comment
- 11
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has returned to Port Harcourt after a six-month absence due to emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu. His arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday, September 19, 2025, sparked massive jubilation among supporters who had been eagerly awaiting his return.
The governor’s return signals a new phase in the state’s political landscape after months of tension, administrative shifts, and leadership struggles.
Governor Fubara, dressed in a blue shirt and a black baseball cap, arrived at the VIP wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 12:19 p.m. on Friday. Hundreds of supporters had converged on the airport hours before his arrival, displaying banners and chanting songs of solidarity.
The scene was reminiscent of a victory rally as party loyalists, youth groups, and traditional leaders gathered to welcome the governor back home. The crowd’s jubilation underscored the widespread anticipation surrounding Fubara’s return after the lifting of emergency rule.
Despite his arrival, Governor Fubara did not immediately show up at the Government House on Thursday, where another group of supporters had gathered, expecting him to resume office. This sparked mixed reactions from political observers who speculated on his next move.
However, Nyesom Wike, the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), clarified during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” that Fubara was not legally bound to resume on Thursday. Wike emphasized that the governor’s return should be seen as a process of re-entry rather than an abrupt transition back into governance.
Governor Fubara and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, had been away from the governance of Rivers State since March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state due to a deepening political crisis.
During this period, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state. Ibas, who handed over power on Wednesday night, delivered a state broadcast urging political actors to embrace mutual respect and dialogue for the sake of peace and stability.
The political crisis in Rivers State has its roots in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This type of political rift between incumbent governors and their predecessors is common in Nigeria, but the intensity of the conflict in Rivers State led to unprecedented administrative changes.
The House of Assembly became deeply divided, with factions aligning either with Fubara or Wike. The rift reached a climax on March 18, prompting President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency and appoint Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator.
This extraordinary measure was aimed at restoring stability and ensuring that governance in Rivers State continued despite the political deadlock.
In June 2025, President Tinubu convened a crucial meeting involving Governor Fubara, Nyesom Wike, Speaker Martin Amaewhule of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and other key stakeholders. This meeting was seen as a turning point, signaling the beginning of reconciliation among the state’s top political actors.
Photographs from the meeting showed Fubara, Tinubu, and Wike seated together, suggesting a willingness to bury the hatchet and work towards the restoration of peace in the state. Observers noted that the meeting helped to diffuse tensions and paved the way for the eventual lifting of emergency rule in September.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) played a pivotal role during the six months of emergency rule. Despite criticisms from some quarters, he managed to maintain relative peace and ensured continuity of government operations. In a widely broadcast farewell speech, Ibas urged all political stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritize dialogue, mutual respect, and the collective interests of the state over personal ambitions.
He also encouraged the incoming leadership to build on the foundations laid during the emergency period to strengthen democratic governance and institutional stability.
One of the most significant actions taken by Ibas during his tenure as administrator was the inauguration of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, in July 2025. This led to the conduct of the long-delayed local government elections across the state’s 23 councils on August 30, 2025.
The elections produced notable outcomes: the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 20 councils, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victories in three local government areas. This shift in political control was seen as a reflection of the evolving political dynamics in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region.
The return of Governor Fubara has reignited political discourse in Rivers State. Many residents view his return as the beginning of a new era, hoping that the governor will now focus on delivering on his campaign promises and fostering unity in the state.
Local political analysts believe that the next few weeks will be crucial in determining how Fubara consolidates power, rebuilds his administration, and navigates his relationship with key stakeholders, including Wike and the House of Assembly.
The return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to Rivers State marks a pivotal moment in the state’s political history. After six months of emergency rule, his arrival signals the restoration of civilian leadership and a renewed focus on governance and development.
With reconciliation efforts already underway and local government elections concluded, Fubara has a unique opportunity to reset the political agenda, strengthen democratic institutions, and deliver results for the people of Rivers State. How he navigates the complex political terrain in the coming months will determine not only his legacy but also the future stability of the oil-rich state.
For now, the jubilation in Port Harcourt reflects the hope and expectations of millions of Rivers residents who are eager to see their governor back at the helm of affairs after a turbulent period in the state’s history.
