Crowd Besieges Rivers Government House Ahead of Fubara’s Return

• Hundreds of Rivers residents flood Port Harcourt streets to welcome Governor Fubara back to office after six months of federal control
• Supporters transform the Government House area into a carnival-like scene with drums, songs, and banners of solidarity
• Governor Fubara resumes duties as President Tinubu lifts the emergency rule imposed during the political crisis

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Hundreds of residents thronged the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday as anticipation built for the return of Governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Women, youths and men from across the state began arriving as early as 6 a.m., determined to welcome the governor after six months of political uncertainty.

Rivers residents celebrate end of emergency rule

By mid-morning, the crowd had completely taken over the Azikiwe–Old Port Harcourt Township Road, creating heavy gridlock in the busy area. Groups of supporters came with drums, songs and banners, turning the wait into a carnival-like scene outside the Brick House, the official seat of government.

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Key political allies of the governor, including Darlington Orji, Sokare Goodboy and Ezebunwo Ichemati, led the spirited gathering. Many of the participants danced and sang pro-Fubara songs while waving flags and chanting messages of solidarity.

Tinubu lifts six-month-long emergency rule

The show of support follows President Bola Tinubu’s announcement lifting the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State in March, which forced Fubara and other elected officials to vacate office.

With the federal proclamation ending at midnight, Fubara is expected to resume his constitutional duties alongside his deputy and the state legislature.

Security personnel maintained a visible presence around the Government House to manage the swelling crowd and ensure order.

Residents expressed excitement that democratic governance would formally return, with some calling the governor’s reinstatement a victory for the will of the people.

Legal experts blast Tinubu

Six months ago, as reported by Legit.ng, prominent Nigerian lawyers were unusually united in their negation of the president's move to unilaterally suspend the state's executive and legislative branches.

Renowned constitutional lawyer Festus Ogun argued:

“President Bola Tinubu has no constitutional power to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy. While the President may declare a state of emergency, he is not legally empowered to remove elected officials.”

Similarly, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong asserted:

“President Tinubu has no constitutional authority to suspend the Governor of Rivers State or members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The emergency powers outlined in the 1999 Constitution do not grant him such authority.”

Did Wike collapse in Abuja?

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Lere Olayinka, the media aide to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, refuted claims that his principal collapsed during a meeting on Friday, March 28, and was flown to France for medical attention.

Recall that report making the rounds in the polity alleged that Wike’s collapse was due to excessive alcohol consumption, leading to a partial stroke.

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