Core loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Thursday thronged the Government House gate in Port Harcourt to await his arrival following the suspension of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
Among those at the gate was Victor Oko-Jumbo, former Speaker of the dissolved three-man House of Assembly loyal to Fubara.
According to The Nation, he led supporters drawn from across the 23 local government areas of the state.
The crowd, made up of youths, elders, and women’s groups, displayed placards and chanted solidarity songs as they waited for the governor.
One supporter was overheard saying, “We have come to possess our possession,” while others danced and cheered in excitement.
The atmosphere around the Government House was festive as women in colourful attire and dancing troupes entertained the crowd. Drummers and praise singers also joined the gathering, creating a carnival-like mood.
While the exact time of Fubara’s arrival remained unclear, some supporters expressed hope that the governor would stop at the gate to address them before heading inside.
The celebration followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday, ending the emergency rule in Rivers State and reinstating Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly.
The outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), had earlier officially handed over leadership of the state back to Fubara.