Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has returned to Port Harcourt today, September 19, 2025, marking the resumption of his duties after a six-month suspension under a state of emergency. He landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport around 11:50 a.m. to 12:19 p.m., greeted by a large crowd of jubilant supporters at the VIP wing. This arrival comes over 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule on September 17, which had been imposed on March 18, 2025, amid a political crisis involving Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike (now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory).

The emergency rule had suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly, with retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as administrator. Tinubu’s decision to end it directed the officials to resume effective September 18. While the House of Assembly reconvened on Thursday, Fubara did not appear at the Government House then, leading to some anticipation and reports of “suspense” among supporters who had gathered in vain. His return today has sparked widespread jubilation, with videos and photos circulating on social media showing crowds chanting and dancing as he arrived.