Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have resumed plenary after a six-month state of emergency imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu.
President Tinubu had suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy and house of assembly members for six months at the height of the political crisis in Rivers.
But on Wednesday, the president lifted the emergency rule and directed the governor, his deputy and house of assembly members to resume work.
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The assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule reconvened on Thursday afternoon at the Assembly Residential Complex along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.
Plenary last held on March 12, 2025, barely a week before emergency rule was declared.
As the House reconvened, Governor Fubara had yet to return to the Government House, even as a large crowd of supporters gathered there awaiting his arrival.
As early as 7am, supporters of the governor had trooped to the streets to celebrate his anticipated return and expected broadcast.
Some of the residents came in groups of drummers and singers waiting for Fubara to arrive at Brick House.
The display, which appeared as a carnival, was led by key supporters of the returned Governor, including Darlington Orji, Sokare Goodboy, Ezebunwo Ichemati and others.
But the governor was not sighted throughout the morning, leaving many supporters disappointed.
By midday, some had begun to disperse quietly to their homes, while others lingered in hope that he might still appear.
Meanwhile, social media users have raised questions about the whereabouts of the governor.
Posting via his handle @DavidsOffor on X, David Offor wrote: “Seems Fubara is not in the country at the moment, and his deputy is nowhere to be found. There shouldn’t be a vacuum in that state sha.”
@Dave_thegreat∅∅: “I just dey hear noise since, we haven’t seen our Governor.”
@Metalistix: “Where is Governor Sim Fubara? Since news of his reinstatement broke, Rivers State has waited anxiously to hear from Governor Sim Fubara. Hours have passed, yet neither his face has been seen nor his voice heard. This silence is unusual, especially at a time when the people he governs deserve clarity, reassurance, and direction.
“It is hard to believe that the governor himself is unaware of the developments. By now, he must have read the reports, seen the headlines, and received hints that the President may be lifting the State of Emergency. Still, the state remains in the dark.
“I will not preempt that @SimFubaraKSC has decided to stay away from office, but one truth is certain: there can never be a vacuum in power. The Nigerian Constitution provides clear guidance — when a governor is unable or fails to discharge the functions of office, he is expected to transmit a letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, empowering the deputy governor to act. Where this is not done, once 21 days elapse, the House of Assembly is empowered to mandate the deputy governor to assume the functions of the office.
“Furthermore, where both the governor and the deputy governor refuse, neglect, or are unable to resume office, the Constitution empowers the Speaker of the State House of Assembly to step in as acting governor, until a substantive election is conducted within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.
“This is why Governor Fubara’s absence without explanation is deeply concerning. Leadership demands presence, and constitutional order cannot be toyed with. The people of Rivers State deserve to see and hear from their governor at this critical moment.
“I therefore call on Governor Fubara to make himself available before the close of day, address his people, and reduce the tension. The state cannot remain in limbo.”