LARGE CROWD DISPERSE AFTER LONG FRUITLESS WAIT FOR GOVERNOR FUBARA’S RETURN TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
18- SEPT- 2025

In Rivers State, a large gathering of residents who had converged on the Government House in anticipation of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s resumption of duties quietly dispersed after hours of waiting without seeing him.

The supporters, numbering in their thousands, had assembled early on Thursday, September 18, 2025, to welcome the Governor following the official cessation of the emergency rule that had been in place since March. Many expected him to make a symbolic appearance or address the people, but by 5:00 p.m., the crowd had melted away, leaving the area calm and uneventful.

No official explanation has been given regarding the Governor’s absence. His deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu, was also expected to join him in assuming full leadership responsibilities, marking the official return to civilian administration.

The transition followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday that the emergency rule was suspended. The President had explained that intelligence reports indicated a renewed sense of cooperation and commitment among stakeholders in Rivers State to embrace democratic processes.

The state’s former administrator, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, formally handed over the reins of power on Wednesday night. In his parting address, he encouraged political actors to maintain peace, uphold mutual respect, and embrace dialogue as the state charts its course back to normal governance.

Despite the Governor’s absence, the day underscored Rivers people’s eagerness to witness a new phase of leadership, with many hopeful that democratic governance will foster stability and progress in the state.