Supporters Leave in Disappointment as Fubara Fails to Appear after Rivers Emergency Ends

• Thousands of Rivers residents and political allies waited in vain for Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s return to Government House, Port Harcourt
• The no-show coincided with the formal end of the six-month emergency rule imposed after a bitter power struggle in the state
• Supporters expressed frustration as uncertainty lingers over Fubara’s next move following the lifting of federal restrictions

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Supporters of Rivers state governor Siminalayi Fubara left the Government House in Port Harcourt disappointed on Thursday after hours of waiting for his much-anticipated return.

Thousands had gathered as early as 6 a.m., travelling from across the state, but by early afternoon the governor had yet to appear.

Crowds began dispersing between noon and 1 p.m. as uncertainty grew over the governor’s whereabouts.

Leaders of the gathering, including former local government chairmen loyal to Fubara, were seen making repeated phone calls in an effort to obtain updates.

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Among those present were the immediate past chairman of Obio/Akpor, Chijoke Ihunwo, and his Port Harcourt City counterpart, Ezebunwo Itche-Mati.

None of the newly elected local government chairmen believed to be aligned with the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were sighted at the venue. Their absence highlighted the ongoing rift between Wike and Fubara, a conflict that has shaped Rivers politics in recent months.

Some supporters voiced their frustration as they left the gates of the Government House.

“We are going because we are hungry. Maybe when the governor comes, we will return,” one attendee told Punch while leaving with his group.

Tinubu ends Rivers emergency rule

The failed welcome coincided with the end of a six-month emergency rule imposed earlier in the year after a political crisis erupted between the governor and the state House of Assembly, which is dominated by Wike’s loyalists.

The tension led to the dissolution of political structures and the appointment of an interim administrator to stabilise governance.

President Bola Tinubu declared the emergency over on Wednesday, paving the way for a return to normal democratic operations in the oil-rich state.

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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