A massive crowd thronged the Government House and adjoining roads in Port Harcourt on Thursday to celebrate the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
But the mood of excitement quickly shifted to shock and confusion after the governor failed to make an appearance.
The supporters, who gathered under the scorching sun, had anticipated a triumphant welcome following President Bola Tinubu’s decision on Wednesday to lift the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.
What began as a jubilant gathering soon turned into frustration, with many describing the governor’s absence as a betrayal of trust.
By 5:10 p.m., when this report was filed, the once-crowded Government House area had emptied, with only skeletal activity in sight.
Political leaders, including Fubara’s former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, Evans Bipi, former local government chairmen Chijioke Ihunwo and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati, who had arrived as early as 7:00 a.m., quietly departed alongside their supporters.
The musicians, masquerades, dancers, and media crews that created a carnival-like atmosphere earlier in the day had also dispersed.
Security personnel further deepened the air of uncertainty as staff were barred from accessing the iconic Brick House. Yet, despite the governor’s silence, the machinery of government moved into gear.
The Rivers State judiciary announced the end of its annual vacation, with courts resuming normal sittings on September 17.
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The House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, also reconvened on Thursday, debating critical issues. Lawmakers passed a motion to investigate the activities of the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, during the emergency rule.
The House commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state and tasked Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner nominees and present a supplementary appropriation bill to reflect current realities.
The lawmakers also pledged to create a legislative agenda for the remaining part of the third session of the 10th Assembly, stressing the need for transparency in contracts and expenditures from the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund during the emergency period.
Political reactions to the governor’s no-show were swift and divided. Dr. Omenazu Jackson, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, criticized the absence, describing it as a worrying signal.
“Governor Fubara is at a crossroads. He must either bolden up and defend the sacred mandate of the Rivers people or walk away. Leadership under siege demands courage, not silence,” Jackson said.
Conversely, APC chieftain Eze Chukwurmeka Eze praised the governor’s decision to stay away, calling it an act of restraint and wisdom.
“Those that suspended him for nothing must offer explanations for singling him out for this embarrassment. If President Tinubu fails to assure him of his full powers and protection, I will advise him to stay away until the right things are done,” Eze remarked.
He further noted that the probe into the Sole Administrator’s tenure would give the governor a clearer understanding of the state’s financial standing before resuming his duties.
As of press time, Governor Fubara had yet to address the public, leaving both his supporters and Rivers residents anxious about his next steps in navigating the state’s volatile political landscape.
Crediblenewsng.com
