By IDNN Politics Desk
Fubara’s No-Show After Emergency Rule Ends
The six-month Rivers State emergency rule ended Wednesday with President Bola Tinubu restoring Governor Siminalayi Fubara. But by Thursday, when supporters thronged Government House in Port Harcourt, Fubara was nowhere to be seen.
Crowds waited from dawn until mid-afternoon before leaving, some in frustration. His aides later confirmed he remained in Abuja, promising a Friday return.
“Symbolism matters in politics. His delay feeds suspicion that Abuja politics is still dictating Port Harcourt.”
Political Context Behind the Delay
Fubara remains locked in a bruising standoff with his predecessor, now-FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Insiders allege Wike is pressing to control key appointments, a claim he denies: “I cannot go and impose anything on the governor… I have no candidate,” he told Channels TV.
The Rivers Assembly, resuming after six months, immediately demanded commissioner-nominees and an appropriation bill, and pledged to review spending during emergency rule.
Impact on Rivers’ Fragile Peace
Analysts say Fubara’s absence unsettles expectations of a smooth transition. Dr. Blessing Agi, a political commentator in Port Harcourt, told IDNN: “Symbolism matters in politics. His delay feeds suspicion that Abuja politics is still dictating Port Harcourt.”
The governor risks losing momentum as allies grow restless, while opposition groups push for a probe of the outgoing sole administrator Ibok-Ete Ibas.
A State at a Crossroads
Rivers faces a precarious test: whether Friday’s expected return restores calm or reignites the crisis that forced Tinubu’s intervention in March.
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