The reinstated governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, resumed duty at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday and announced plans to address residents of the state by 6 p.m.

His return comes after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu on March 18.

Earlier on Friday, Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, accompanied by his wife, Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Chief of Staff Edison Ehie, and other officials.

He was warmly received by former commissioners, local government chairmen, and other political leaders who gathered to welcome him.

Upon his arrival at the Government House, the governor expressed gratitude to Rivers people for their overwhelming show of support.

He said: “I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed.

“Let me first of all appreciate the wonderful people of Rivers State. I am really humbled by what I saw at the Airport.

“I was thrilled by the photographs of what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me.

“It shows love, confidence and solidarity. I want to say that it is not just a celebration. It is a show of the reactivation of the bond between this government and the people of Rivers State.

“I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us. I want to thank everybody and to say that we love you, but God loves you more.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday, touching down at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, just two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on the state and directed his reinstatement.

The governor’s aircraft landed at exactly 11:50 a.m.

He was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters and political allies, including former Information and Communications Commissioner, Barr. Emma Okah; ex-Health Commissioner, Dr. Adaeze Oreh; former Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa; ex-Environment Commissioner, Sydney Gbara; and Victor Oko-Jumbo, former factional Speaker of the state assembly.

Others at the airport included former Youth Commissioner, Chisom Gbali; ex-Physical Planning Commissioner, Evans Bipi; former NUPENG President, Igwe Achese; ex-Education Commissioner, Dr. Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; as well as past chairmen of Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor councils, Ezebunwo Ichemati and others.

More to come…

Supporters of Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, gathered at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Friday morning to await his return.

It was gathered that the governor, who had been on a trip to the United Kingdom, was expected back in the country.

Crowds of his loyalists, including former members of his cabinet, sang and danced both around the airport premises and on the steps leading to the arrival hall.

A day earlier, a similar group had converged in front of the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt, hoping to receive Fubara following his reinstatement.

However, the governor did not appear at the government house, sparking speculation over his whereabouts.

Fubara has not officially resumed duties since the end of emergency rule in the state.

Reacting to criticism over his absence, Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), argued that no law compels the governor to return to his office immediately.

According to Wike, governance is not restricted to physical presence in an office.

On Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on Rivers State due to a prolonged political crisis.

The president directed Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the state assembly to resume duties on Thursday, September 18.