The people of Rivers State on Thursday thronged the streets of Port Harcourt in jubilation following the end of six months of emergency rule, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the lifting of the suspension placed on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.
Residents from across the 23 Local Government Areas trooped into the state capital as early as 6 a.m., converging on Government House, Port Harcourt, in anticipation of Governor Fubara’s return to office. By 8 a.m., the entire area around Aba Road and Azikiwe Road was gridlocked with crowds, vehicles, political stakeholders, traders, and well-wishers eager to witness what many described as “the rebirth of democracy” in the state.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and lawmakers following the protracted political crisis that engulfed the oil-rich state. The decision ushered in an emergency administration that lasted until September 18, when the President, in a nationwide broadcast, announced the restoration of constitutional governance.
However, the excitement that gripped the state capital soon turned to disappointment as Governor Fubara was nowhere to be found hours after the suspension was lifted. The governor, expected to make a public appearance and address the jubilant crowd, failed to show up.
As the day wore on, the crowd gradually dispersed in frustration, with many expressing concern over the governor’s silence and absence on such a historic occasion.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Governor Fubara’s whereabouts, the lifting of the suspension marks a turning point for Rivers State, as citizens look forward to the full restoration of democratic governance.
