Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, officially resumed office on Friday after his reinstatement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and will address the state in a 6:00 p.m. broadcast.
Fubara’s aircraft landed at Port Harcourt International Airport at 11:50 a.m., ending speculation about his return following six months of emergency rule declared in March amid tensions with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. President Tinubu lifted the rule earlier this week, restoring democratic leadership.
He was received by top politicians and hundreds of supporters, including Emma Okah, Adaeze Oreh, Oji Ngofa, Victor Oko-Jumbo, Sydney Gbara, Evans Bipi, Chisom Gbali, Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, Igwe Achese, and Ezebunwo Ichemati.
Reacting, Fubara said: “I am humbled by what I saw at the airport. I was also briefed about what happened here yesterday. That reception really humbled me. It shows love, confidence, and solidarity. It is not just a celebration.”
He added: “The massive reception by the number of people who came out to celebrate is a reaffirmation of the bond between this government and the people that we are serving. I want to assure you that we will continue to do those things that have made you people love us. I want to appreciate everyone and to say that we love you.”
On his planned broadcast, he said: “We are going to address the state officially by 6:00 p.m., and in that broadcast, every authority that gave support to this normalcy will be properly recognized.”
