The Rivers State Government House reportedly remained deserted on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara did not return to office following the end of the emergency rule declared in the state six months ago.
Hundreds of supporters, including loyalists and members of his Ijaw ethnic nationality, had gathered at the gates of the Brick House in anticipation of his arrival.
However, by nightfall, the governor was yet to make any appearance in the state.
It had been widely expected that Fubara, who has been away from the country, would resume office immediately after the expiration of the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18.
The outgone Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), had earlier announced the conclusion of his tenure and formally exited the Government House on Thursday morning.
Deserted Government House
Sources within the Government House confirmed to Vanguard that the complex has been largely shut down since the administrator’s exit.
Only security personnel and a handful of civil servants were allowed into the premises.
“Nothing is happening in that place now until the governor resumes. That place is just empty,” a source said, noting that members of the Government House Press Corps and several protocol officers were denied entry.
Meanwhile, former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Ezebunwo Ichemati, said Rivers people came out in large numbers to celebrate the lifting of the emergency rule.
“Today is a unique day in Rivers State. The state of emergency has been lifted and the governor is being expected. Rivers people are happy and thankful to the president for restoring democratic governance,” Ichemati said.
He expressed optimism that with the executive and legislature back in place, both arms of government would work together to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“Rivers people are not just celebrating the return of the governor, but also thanking the president for lifting the state of emergency,” he added.