The Rivers State Government House was thrown into unusual silence on Thursday, as reports confirmed that the seat of power in Port Harcourt remained deserted following the failure of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to officially resume duties after the expiration of the six-month emergency rule declared in the state earlier this year.
Crowds of supporters, loyalists, and well-wishers had gathered in anticipation, many of them from the governor’s Ijaw ethnic nationality, who had trooped to the gates of the iconic Brick House as early as morning. They had hoped to welcome their governor back after what has been a turbulent period in the political history of Rivers State.
By evening, however, their expectations turned into disappointment as Fubara was yet to make a public appearance, let alone step foot into the Government House. Sources revealed that the governor has been away from the country for some time, sparking speculations about the reasons behind his delayed return.
Background of emergency rule
The absence of Fubara comes after many had widely expected his prompt resumption immediately after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on March 18 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The intervention was seen as a drastic step to restore order in the oil-rich state after heightened political tensions between rival camps escalated earlier this year.
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), who was appointed as the Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the state during the emergency, had already completed his assignment. On Thursday morning, he formally handed over, vacated the Brick House, and exited the complex, leaving many to believe that the stage was set for Governor Fubara’s return.
Deserted Government House
Eyewitnesses and insiders described the once-bustling Government House as completely deserted. Only armed security operatives were stationed at strategic points to guard the premises, while access was heavily restricted.
Several protocol officers, members of the Government House Press Corps, and civil servants were denied entry into the complex. One insider remarked: “Nothing is happening in that place now until the governor resumes. That place is just empty.”
The eerie silence further heightened concerns among Rivers people, many of whom see the governor’s return as crucial to restoring full democratic governance after months of military-style administration.
Reactions from Rivers people
Speaking on the situation, former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ezebunwo Ichemati, highlighted the mood of celebration among Rivers indigenes, who viewed the lifting of the emergency rule as a fresh chapter in the state’s political story.
“Today is a unique day in Rivers State. The state of emergency has been lifted, and the governor is being expected. Rivers people are happy and thankful to the president for restoring democratic governance,” Ichemati said.
He further expressed optimism that the return of both the executive and legislative arms of government would usher in a new season of collaboration, ensuring that governance resumes with vigor and the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people without delay.
“Rivers people are not just celebrating the return of the governor, but also thanking the president for lifting the state of emergency,” he added.
Despite the optimism, uncertainty still lingers over when exactly Governor Fubara will make his long-awaited return, with many residents anxiously watching for developments at the Government House in the coming days.