Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to Port Harcourt on Friday evening after spending two weeks abroad on vacation, amid ongoing political tension in the state. His arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, around 7:00 p.m., was discreet, with a few aides on ground to receive him before he was swiftly driven away in a convoy.
Governor Fubara’s overseas trip reportedly included a visit to Germany and a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London. Although details of their discussions have not been made public, political observers suggest the meeting may have focused on efforts to resolve the deepening political crisis in Rivers State.
Fubara, along with his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly, was suspended in March following a presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers. The federal government cited growing insecurity, including attacks on oil installations and rising political violence, as justification for the drastic measure. A major source of the crisis has been the prolonged rift between Governor Fubara and lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, his political predecessor.
Since his suspension, there has been increased speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at restoring stability in the oil-rich state. While some stakeholders have called for reconciliation, others continue to insist on strict enforcement of federal directives.
Governor Fubara has not made any official statements since his return, and it remains unclear what his immediate plans are. However, his reappearance in the state has reignited conversations about the political future of Rivers and the federal government’s next steps in managing the situation.
As tensions simmer, residents and political observers alike will be watching closely to see whether Fubara’s return will mark the beginning of a peaceful resolution or signal a new phase in the state’s political battle.
