Hundreds of indigenes and residents of Rivers State thronged the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, in the early hours of Friday, awaiting the arrival of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, two days after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state.

President Tinubu had on Wednesday announced the revocation of the six-month emergency rule, raising expectations of the governor’s immediate return to office.

On Thursday, jubilant crowds had stormed the Government House in Port Harcourt to welcome him but left disappointed when he did not show up.

By Friday morning, many regrouped at the airport, where cultural displays, drumming, and dancing were staged in anticipation of his arrival.

Supporters, including commissioners, special aides, and disbanded local government chairmen loyal to the governor, were sighted at the VIP wing of the airport.

However, other political actors linked to the crisis that triggered the emergency rule were noticeably absent.

As at the time of filing this report, Governor Fubara had not yet arrived at the airport.