A large crowd of jubilant supporters on Friday converged on the VIP wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport located in Omagwa, Rivers State, in anticipation of the arrival of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The governor, who had been away from the state during the period of political turbulence, is expected to return following the lifting of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Despite being reinstated on Thursday, Fubara was not seen at the State Government House as supporters who had made their way there since 6 am were allegedly seen leaving the premises unhappy and frustrated.
In regard to his disappearance, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reiterated that there was no law indicating that the governor must resume the same day the emergency rule was lifted.
Tension in Rivers heightened late last year after a power struggle erupted between Governor Fubara, the Minister Wike, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. The dispute led to the temporary suspension of the governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly.
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On Wednesday, President Tinubu declared an end to the emergency measures, allowing the Assembly to reconvene the following day.
While lawmakers resumed sittings on Thursday, Governor Fubara did not immediately return to Government House, leaving hundreds of his loyalists waiting eagerly for his comeback.
Recalled that the halted emergency rule was declared since 18 March and came to an end after six months.
