The political climate in Rivers State remains tense as the whereabouts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara are still unknown, even after his reinstatement by President Bola Tinubu.
An Arise Television correspondent in the state, Friday Olokor, reported during the Morning Show programme that while uncertainty surrounds Fubara’s possible return to Port Harcourt, the state capital remains relatively calm.
Olokor said: “Yes, thank you very much, as is expected right now in Rivers state, Port Harcourt specifically, the atmosphere is cool. There is no problem. The fact is that, for right now, the whereabouts of the governor is not still known, even though there are speculation that he might come in today.
“Rivers state is being bandied as the hotbed of political antagonism but from what we are seeing right now, the atmosphere is cool, calm, cozy. There’s no problem. And for the House of Assembly, we are still expressing some members of the House of Assembly right now.”
Recall that Fubara was suspended six months ago when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers. However, the president lifted the emergency rule on Wednesday, paving the way for Fubara’s reinstatement.
Before handing over, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, delivered a final state-wide broadcast urging residents to rally behind the governor. He said the people should support Fubara as he resumes his duties.
Despite the calm on the streets, political divisions persist. The Rivers State House of Assembly remains factionalized, with lawmakers holding separate sittings. Olokor noted that the absence of the governor has created a vacuum in governance, heightening uncertainty among residents.
He added that there are expectations that both factions of the Assembly would work toward reconciliation in order to avoid a repeat of past political crises in the state.
