Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday failed to return to the Government House in Port Harcourt despite being reinstated following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
The development came as thousands of supporters gathered at the gates of the Government House from as early as 6 a.m., expecting the return of the governor.
By midday, however, many of the supporters left for their homes as the governor’s whereabouts remained unknown.
Among those at the scene were sacked local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, including Chijoke Ihunwo of Obio/Akpor and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati of Port Harcourt City. Notably absent were allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and newly elected local government chairmen seen as loyal to him.
Fubara’s absence followed Wednesday’s declaration by President Bola Tinubu formally ending emergency rule in Rivers State, which had suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly. During the period, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) served as sole administrator.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly resumed plenary on Thursday at the legislative quarters conference hall, with Speaker Martins Amaewhule presiding.
State lawmakers have launched a probe into state finances under Ibas’s tenure and requested Governor Fubara to forward a list of commissioner-nominees for screening.