Thousands of jubilant supporters thronged the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara officially returned to office after a six-month suspension. The atmosphere in Rivers State was electric, with residents celebrating what many described as a victory for democracy.
President Bola Tinubu had, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, announced the suspension of the state of emergency earlier declared in the state, effectively restoring Governor Fubara, his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their positions.
It would be recalled that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025, following a prolonged political crisis between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The move led to the suspension of the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers for an initial six-month period.
Speaking on the development, jubilant supporters described the governor’s return as a long-awaited moment of relief. Different groups gathered at the Government House, beating drums, dancing, and chanting solidarity songs as they awaited his arrival.
“This is a day we will never forget. Rivers people have shown resilience, and today, our democracy has been restored,” one supporter said.
Governor Fubara is expected to address the people of Rivers State in the coming days on the way forward, as political watchers anticipate fresh moves to stabilize the state’s governance.
