By Our Reporter
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has returned to Nigeria to resume duties following the expiration of the six-month Emergency Rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
Fubara, who had been out of the country throughout the duration of the emergency period, arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday morning aboard a chartered flight. He was accompanied by his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu.
A massive crowd of jubilant supporters thronged the airport and major streets of Port Harcourt to welcome the governor back home.
Addressing the gathering shortly after his arrival, a visibly emotional Fubara expressed gratitude to the people of Rivers State for what he described as an overwhelming show of solidarity.
“I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed,” he said.
“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport. I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.”
“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport. I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.”
The governor assured residents that his administration remains committed to delivering on its promises, saying:
“We will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more.”
“We will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more.”
Fubara announced that he would formally address the state by 6:00 p.m. on Friday, where he is expected to outline his government’s next steps and policy direction after the months-long disruption in governance.
The Emergency Rule in Rivers State was declared by President Tinubu in March following protracted political and security crises that threatened governance and public order. The development led to the suspension of democratic institutions, with federal administrators temporarily overseeing state affairs.