Tension is rising in Rivers State after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to show up at the government house on Thursday, a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the suspension placed on him and other elected officials during the state of emergency.

Hundreds of Fubara’s loyalists, popularly known as the Simplified Family, gathered to welcome him back to office but left disappointed when the governor did not appear. The lawmakers resumed their duties immediately, but Fubara’s absence sparked frustration among his supporters, including former local government chairmen who waited in vain for hours.

Reacting to the incident, the Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly criticized Fubara. The party’s chairman, Chief Amb. Leader Sampson, accused the governor of showing disregard for his loyalists, claiming he acted under the influence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He described the governor’s action as “spitting on the faces” of his supporters.

The ADC leader called on the Simplified Family to shift their loyalty, urging them to embrace the ADC as a true platform for political empowerment. He promised that the party would protect their rights, unlike others who only use supporters as pawns. “Join ADC in building a brighter future for Rivers State and Nigeria,” Sampson declared, encouraging supporters to rise and demand justice for their political future.