Rivers State is gripped by uncertainty as the whereabouts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remain unknown, even after his reinstatement to office.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state and restored Fubara to power. Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who had served as Sole Administrator during the period, formally handed over responsibilities back to the governor, urging residents to rally behind his return.
Despite this, Fubara has yet to make a public appearance, fueling speculation and political tension in Port Harcourt. Citizens are awaiting clarity on when the governor will physically resume his duties.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly is set to reconvene at 10 a.m. on Thursday at its residential complex along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway. The 27 lawmakers loyal to Speaker Martin Amaewhule, who returned to the state before the emergency rule was lifted, are already in residence and expected to hold their first sitting since the crisis began.
For now, the absence of Governor Fubara has left a temporary vacuum in leadership. Many hope that both the executive and legislative arms can work together to stabilize governance and prevent a repeat of the disruptions that led to the emergency declaration.
