Thousands of supporters who thronged the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Thursday to celebrate the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara were left disappointed after the governor failed to make an appearance.

Naijaonpoint reports that residents, musicians, masquerades, and political leaders had converged from as early as 7:00 a.m., expecting Fubara’s triumphant return following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement lifting the six-month state of emergency in Rivers State.

However, by 5:10 p.m., the Government House and adjoining roads had been deserted, with only skeletal activity observed.

Former Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, ex-local government chairmen Chijioke Ihunwo and Ezebunwo Itche-Mati, among others, who arrived early with their supporters, quietly departed.

Security operatives reportedly barred staff from accessing the Brick House, fueling uncertainty over the governor’s whereabouts.

Despite Fubara’s absence, government activities across the three arms of government resumed. The judiciary announced the end of its annual vacation, with courts reopening on September 17.

At the House of Assembly, Speaker Martins Amaewhule presided over a session that commended Tinubu for restoring democratic governance.

The lawmakers passed a motion mandating a probe into contracts and expenditures executed under the former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), during emergency rule.

The Assembly also requested Fubara to forward commissioner nominees to constitute a new Executive Council and submit a supplementary appropriation bill for the remainder of 2025.

Analysts React To Fubara’s Silence

Political analyst and Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, Omenazu Jackson, in an interview with the Guardian, described Fubara’s silence as troubling.

“Governor Fubara is at a crossroads. He must either bolden up and defend the sacred mandate of the Rivers people or walk away. Leadership under siege demands courage, not silence,” he said.

But APC chieftain, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, defended Fubara’s absence, calling it an act of restraint.

“Those that suspended him for nothing must offer explanations for singling him out for this embarrassment. If President Tinubu fails to assure him of his full powers and protection, I will advise him to stay away until the right things are done,” Eze argued.

As of press time, Fubara had yet to address the state, leaving both his loyalists and residents anxious.