Rivers Assembly Resumes Sitting As Fubara’s Absence Raises Concern

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.

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.(Daily trust)