Tension has gripped Rivers State as the whereabouts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara remain unclear following his reinstatement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Although the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt is reportedly calm, uncertainty has heightened among residents and political stakeholders, who are anxiously awaiting the governor’s return.
Arise Television’s correspondent in Rivers State, Friday Olokor, provided an update during the Morning Show programme, noting that despite speculations of Fubara’s imminent arrival in the state, his absence has created a governance vacuum.
This development comes after the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, officially handed over to Fubara. In his farewell broadcast, Ibas urged Rivers people to give the reinstated governor their full support as he resumes leadership.
President Tinubu had suspended Fubara six months ago, declaring emergency rule in the state. The president lifted the emergency rule on Wednesday, paving the way for Fubara’s return.
However, Olokor observed that the governor’s continued absence has left Rivers State in a delicate situation. The state House of Assembly remains factionalized, with rival groups meeting separately to pursue legislative activities.
“Leadership should not have a vacuum, but right now, the whereabouts of the governor remain unknown,” Olokor said. “Speculations suggest he may return soon, yet no concrete information has been confirmed. Meanwhile, the Assembly factions continue to meet separately, but the people are the ones bearing the brunt of the crisis.”
He stressed the need for reconciliation among the lawmakers to avoid a repeat of past political crises, adding that residents of the state have endured the consequences of prolonged instability.
As Rivers State awaits clarity, political observers warn that the failure to quickly resolve the impasse could deepen divisions and stall governance in the oil-rich state.
