It was a potpourri Of Joy and an unseeming calmness across Rivers state four days after the lifting of the emergency rule as the jubilations that trailed the resumption of Gov Siminalayi Fubara continued on the third day.
As early as 7am on Friday morning, second day of the post emergency, supporters of the governor, inspite of their disappointment the previous day at the Government House where the governor was no where to be found, trooped out and overwhelmed the VIP section of the Port Harcourt International Airport to welcome the people’s governor.
Among the governor’s supporters and admirers who converged at the airport were his commissioners before the suspension and the council chairmen sacked by the Supreme Court as well as members of the disbanded Simplified Movement and others.
Notably absent however were the newly sworn in council chairmen and other political appointees sworn in by the outgone Sole Administrator. Even, the Ikwerre council chairman, Mr Wobodo, who by protocols was expected to be in the airport, in his domain to welcome the governor was conspicuously absent.
However, the unseeming calmness in the camp of the FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike became more louder on the third day as his supporters refused to join the celebrations welcoming democracy back to the state. No radio announcements and no solidarity visits to the governor.
Moreover, they have continued to shun government events contrary to protocols and existing practices.
Nevertheless, Gov. Sim Fubara, in his usual humble manner, made a surprise appearance to worship at his hometown church; St. Paul’s Cathedral, Opobo Town last Sunday, day four in what many say is in preparation for his full assumption of duties.
It’s expected that in the coming days and weeks, the state would witness a frenzy of activities as the governor settles down to work, particularly in the area of appointment of key officials.
The grapevine in the state is already awashed that the governor has penciled down the return of his Chief of Staff, Rt Hon Ehie Edison and some former commissioners back to the state executive council.
Below is a timeline of activities in the past four days of post emergency rule in Rivers state:
Day 1 – Thursday September 18, 2025 – Emergency Rule lifted, Governor Fubara whereabouts unknown as supporters who thronged the Government House dispersed disappointed.
Day 2 – Friday September 19, 2025 – Governor Fubara arrived Port Harcourt International Airport and drove straight to Government House where he promised to address Rivers people in a statewide broadcast. Departed Government House for his private residence in Port Harcourt.
Day 3 – Saturday September 20, 2025 – The governor addressed Rivers people in a statewide broadcast where he thanked President Tinubu for his intervention and the people for their endurance and support throughout the emergency rule.
Day 4 – Sunday September 21, 2025 – The governor and his wife, Lady Valerie worshipped at Saint Paul’s Cathedral Church in Opobo, his hometown thanking Clergymen for their prayers and requested for more in the coming days.
