- The Rivers State Government House remained empty on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not return following the end of the six-month emergency rule.
- Supporters gathered at the Brick House in anticipation, but the governor failed to appear.
- The outgoing Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), had earlier vacated the complex, leaving only security and a few civil servants inside. A source described the premises as “just empty.”
The Rivers State Government House was deserted on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not return to office following the end of the six-month emergency rule.
Hundreds of supporters, including loyalists and members of his Ijaw ethnic group, gathered at the Brick House gates but the governor did not show up by nightfall.
The Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), had earlier announced the conclusion of his tenure and exited the Government House that morning.
Sources told Vanguard the complex has been largely shut down since, with only security and a few civil servants allowed inside. One source said: “Nothing is happening in that place now until the governor resumes. That place is just empty.” Members of the press corps and protocol officers were also denied entry.
Former Port Harcourt City Council chairman Ezebunwo Ichemati noted Rivers people came out in large numbers to celebrate the lifting of the rule. “Today is a unique day in Rivers State. The state of emergency has been lifted and the governor is being expected. Rivers people are happy and thankful to the president for restoring democratic governance,” he said.
He expressed optimism about governance resuming, adding: “Rivers people are not just celebrating the return of the governor, but also thanking the president for lifting the state of emergency.”
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