The whereabouts of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, remain unclear amid speculation about his possible return to Port Harcourt following his reinstatement.
Arise Television correspondent Friday Olokor reported on The Morning Show that, despite political tensions, the atmosphere in the state capital remains calm.
Fubara was suspended six months ago after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers. The emergency rule was lifted on Wednesday, and Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who served as Sole Administrator, formally handed over to the governor.
In his farewell broadcast, Ibas urged residents to support Fubara as he resumes office. However, Olokor noted that the governor’s absence has created uncertainty and a sense of vacuum in governance.
He added that the Rivers State House of Assembly, which remains split along factional lines, continues to hold separate meetings, further deepening political divisions.
“The atmosphere is cool, calm, cozy. There’s no problem,” Olokor said. “But since the governor is not around, the atmosphere is tense, and the people of Rivers are waiting because nobody really knows the whereabouts of the governor.”
He warned that the continued divisions could worsen the crisis, stressing the need for reconciliation among lawmakers to restore stability.
“The people of Rivers State have suffered a lot,” Olokor said. “What matters is them coming together to put the past behind and move ahead, because the state cannot afford a repeat of past crises.”