Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has declared that normalcy has been fully restored to the state following his return to office after a six-month suspension imposed by President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking to supporters at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during the emergency period and promised to continue the policies that have earned public support.
The governor was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters upon his arrival in Port Harcourt, marking his official resumption of duties after the federal government lifted the state of emergency that had suspended democratic governance in Rivers State.
“I appreciate everyone who gave support to bring normalcy back to Rivers State,” Fubara told the gathered crowd, acknowledging the role played by various stakeholders in resolving the political crisis that had paralyzed the state for six months.
The governor indicated that he had anticipated questions and concerns from supporters following his return to office. “I know everybody wants to hear something from me. In fact, I expected it when I landed,” he said, recognizing the public’s desire for clarity about his administration’s direction moving forward.
Fubara assured his supporters that his administration would maintain its commitment to the programs and initiatives that have generated public approval throughout the crisis period. “I want to assure you that we will, by the grace of God, continue to give those things that made you people love us,” he stated.
The governor’s remarks suggest continuity in policy direction despite the disruption caused by the six-month federal administration of the state. His emphasis on maintaining popular policies indicates an intention to build upon whatever goodwill his administration had established before the emergency declaration.
The warm reception from supporters demonstrates that Fubara retains significant public backing despite the political turbulence that led to his suspension. The large turnout for his return suggests that his base of support remained intact throughout the emergency period.
Fubara’s declaration of restored normalcy marks the official end of a constitutional crisis that had brought Rivers State governance to a standstill. The crisis stemmed from an irreconcilable conflict between the governor and the majority of state lawmakers, which prevented normal legislative functions and prompted federal intervention.
The governor’s return coincides with the restoration of the State House of Assembly, whose members have also resumed their constitutional duties. The simultaneous restoration of both executive and legislative functions represents the complete return to democratic governance in the oil-rich state.
With normalcy declared and democratic institutions restored, attention now turns to whether the underlying political tensions that precipitated the crisis have been genuinely resolved or merely temporarily suspended. The success of the restored administration will likely depend on its ability to work constructively with previously opposing legislative factions.
