Core supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara dispersed in disappointment from the Government House gate in Port Harcourt on Thursday after waiting for hours to welcome the reinstated governor, who failed to appear.
The crowd, primarily members of Fubara’s disbanded political group, the Simplified Movement, mobilized from all 23 local government areas under the leadership of key figures, including sacked local government chairmen Amb. Chijoke Ihunwo, Ichemati Ezebunwo, and former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
The supporters, who began gathering as early as 6 a.m., filled Nnamdi Azikiwe Road with flutes, drums, dancing troupes, and musical instruments, creating a festive atmosphere to celebrate Fubara’s return after a six-month state of emergency.
The vibrant gathering, however, caused significant disruption, blocking the entire stretch of the road and forcing drivers to divert to internal routes, some of which were also partially obstructed.
Despite their enthusiasm, the supporters waited until 1 p.m. without any sign of the governor. Frantic calls by group leaders yielded no response, and as their energy waned, the leaders quietly left the scene, prompting their followers to board hired vehicles and return to their respective destinations.
The absence of Fubara, who was reinstated on Wednesday, September 17, following the end of the state of emergency imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raised questions about his whereabouts.
The emergency rule, declared on March 18, 2025, had suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state assembly due to a protracted political crisis involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the sole administrator during the period, formally handed over power to Fubara in a statewide broadcast, urging residents to support the governor’s return.
Observers noted the absence of Wike’s loyalists, including incumbent local government chairmen, from the crowd, suggesting a lingering divide.
Sources indicate that Fubara’s body language reflects a shift toward reconciliation with Wike, his political mentor, following a June meeting with President Tinubu that signaled an end to their feud.
This may explain his apparent disengagement from the Simplified Movement and his failure to meet with supporters.
As Fubara remains incommunicado, speculation about his whereabouts persists, with some suggesting he may have been out of the country during the recent local government elections on August 30, won overwhelmingly by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The people of Rivers State now await clarity on Fubara’s plans, hopeful that his administration will prioritize unity and development in the wake of the state’s turbulent political chapter.
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