The much-anticipated return of democratic governance in Rivers State after six months of emergency rule unfolded with uncertainty and disappointment, leaving many citizens frustrated. While the State House of Assembly convened for its first session since suspension, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi, were notably absent. Their failure to appear caused visible frustration among supporters who had trooped to Government House in Port Harcourt from all 23 local government areas of the state. Many of them arrived as early as 7 a.m. and waited expectantly for nearly 12 hours, only to disperse in disappointment by evening when the governor failed to show up.
The absence of Governor Fubara stirred wide speculation across the state. Some political watchers suggested that he might be reluctant to return because his powers had been reduced or obstructed during the emergency period. Others, however, indicated that he was in Abuja for crucial consultations with political stakeholders to determine the best approach before resuming his duties officially. Former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, sought to douse tensions by confirming that he had spoken directly with Fubara, who assured him of his readiness to resume. Wike, however, maintained that it was too early to talk about supporting Fubara for a second term.
In preparation for Fubara’s return, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), who had served as Sole Administrator during the emergency rule, formally stepped down and handed over authority to the elected leadership. He urged Rivers people to rally behind Fubara while warning against actions that could plunge the state back into crisis. Although Ibas refrained from disclosing financial details of his six-month stewardship despite calls from stakeholders for accountability, he claimed that President Bola Tinubu’s mandate of restoring law and order had been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly wasted no time in resuming legislative activities. The lawmakers, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, urged Governor Fubara to submit a list of commissioner-nominees for screening as well as a new appropriation bill tailored to the state’s current needs. Through a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader, Major Jack, and supported by other members, the House set its legislative agenda for the remainder of its session. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of addressing the state’s realities post-emergency rule and pledged to work within the framework of peace agreements and constitutional provisions.
While lawmakers were setting legislative priorities, the atmosphere outside Government House was charged with anticipation. Thousands of residents, many clad in colorful attires representing their various local councils, gathered to welcome the governor. The supporters, largely members of the Simplified Movement—Fubara’s political base—expressed excitement over the end of emergency rule and voiced optimism that democratic governance would fast-track development in the state. Yet, their joy soon turned to disappointment when Fubara failed to arrive. By late evening, many left hungry and frustrated, vowing to return when the governor finally resumed.
In his farewell remarks, Ibas reflected on lessons learned during the emergency rule, stressing that unchecked rivalry and abuse of power could destabilize democracy. He called for vigilance, sacrifice, and collective responsibility in governance, urging citizens to support Fubara wholeheartedly. According to him, effective leadership required active collaboration between leaders and followers.
On his part, Wike declared that he had forgiven Fubara, stressing that reconciliation had already taken place. He cautioned against individuals attempting to derail the peace process by twisting legal interpretations of local government elections. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, however, dismissed the lifting of suspension as unconstitutional and unnecessary, describing it as evidence of dictatorial tendencies in the Tinubu administration. Similarly, Labour Party’s Peter Obi criticized the entire episode as a grave misstep that undermined democracy, while urging all political actors to draw lessons from the crisis.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also condemned President Tinubu’s role, accusing him of setting a dangerous precedent that undermines constitutional federalism. The party argued that suspending and reinstating elected leaders without judicial process effectively robbed Rivers people of their democratic rights and reduced governors to subordinates of the presidency.
Thus, while Rivers State has formally exited emergency rule, the shaky resumption of democracy—marked by the governor’s absence, legislative demands, and divided political reactions—underscored the fragility of the state’s political stability. For many Rivers residents, the true test of this democratic restoration lies not in symbolism but in whether their elected governor will return promptly, resume governance, and deliver on promises of peace, stability, and development.