Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has returned to Port Harcourt, more than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the six-month emergency rule in the state.
Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 11:50 a.m. on Friday to a rousing welcome from hundreds of supporters who had gathered at the VIP wing of the airport.
Despite his return, the governor did not immediately resume duties at the Government House, even as the state House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday.
Fubara, alongside his deputy, Ngozi Odu, had been out of office since March 18 when President Tinubu declared emergency rule in Rivers, citing the deepening political crisis in the state.
During the period, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as sole administrator. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday night, Ibas urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
