The visit yesterday of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu elicited excitement in Fubara’s camp.
Many members of the camp popularly called the ‘Simplified Family’ expressed confidence that the visit to the Ikoyi Lagos-home of the President, was a signal that the emergency rule was gradually coming to an end.
Fubara loyalist Ezebunwo Ichemati, who posted the photographs of the governor with the President on his verified Facebook Wall, urged Fubara’s supporters to get set for celebration.
Ichemati, Port Harcourt City Local Government’s immediate-past Chairman, was among the council chairmen ousted by the Superme Court judgment, which voided their election.
He told members of the ‘Simplified Family’ to get ready, adding that “the outcome would be loud”.
“Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara after a closed door meeting with President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, June 3, 2025. Simplified Marine Patrol, get ready, it will be too loud”, Ichemati tagged his post.
The post attracted hundreds of comments from members of the camp, who hailed Tinubu and insisting that their victory was in sight.
Others also expressed optimism that Fubara would soon be returned to Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt.
The “Simplified Family” had initially hoped on May 29 for Fubara’s return, but their hope was dashed because the President did not lift the emergency rule.
But some people were indifferent to the visit.
Fubara was suspended on March 18 along with members of the Rivers State House Assembly and emergency rule declared in the state by the President, who appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas as Administrator.
The six-month emergency rule, stamped by the National Assembly, will terminate on September 18.
Last week, Fubara said he was optimistic he would soon be back in office because, according to him, the peace process between him and his political benefactor and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike was in full swing.
But Wike in a television interview on Monday did not agree with what the suspended governor said.
He said Fubara met him only once in company with Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) together with former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, to discuss resolution of the crisis.
Yesterday’s visit is the second time the suspended governor will be meeting with President, having done so earlier in the year in London.