The Rivers State Government House stood eerily quiet on Thursday, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara nowhere to be seen despite expectations he would return to work after the six-month emergency rule officially ended.
Crowds of supporters, including loyal followers and members of his Ijaw community, waited anxiously at the gates of the Government House, locally known as Brick House, hoping to welcome their governor back.
But as evening approached, Fubara, who remains abroad, had still not shown up.
Many had expected the governor to immediately resume his duties once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency rule, which began on March 18, came to a close.
Earlier that day, the outgoing Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially wrapped up his six-month tenure and left the Government House.
Since then, according to sources inside the building, the premises have been mostly deserted, with only security personnel and a handful of civil servants allowed inside.
“There’s nothing going on in there right now until the governor comes back. The place is basically empty,” an insider told Vanguard. Even journalists and protocol staff were turned away from the building.
Despite the uncertainty, some political figures are celebrating the end of emergency rule.
Ezebunwo Ichemati, former chairman of Port Harcourt City Council, called it a relief for Rivers residents.
“This is a special day for Rivers State. The emergency rule is over and we’re all waiting for our governor. People here are grateful to the president for bringing back democratic government,” Ichemati said.
He believes that with both the governor’s office and the state legislature now restored, Rivers State can finally start delivering real benefits to its people.
“Rivers people aren’t just happy about the governor’s expected return, they’re also thanking the president for ending the state of emergency,” he added.
