A massive crowd of Rivers residents gathered on Thursday at the Government House in Port Harcourt to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following the end of his six-month suspension declared by President Bola Tinubu.

Supporters, many singing pro-Fubara songs, camped outside the Government House in high anticipation of seeing the governor. However, as of press time, Fubara’s whereabouts remained unknown, leaving residents anxious as he had not yet addressed the state or his loyalists.

Security operatives were seen cordoning off the Government House and restricting entry, a move believed to be aimed at preventing possible looting of government property. The large gathering also caused heavy traffic gridlock, forcing motorists to divert to alternative routes.

The political tension dates back to March 18, 2025, when President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State due to the rift between Governor Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis divided the State House of Assembly, with 27 lawmakers aligning with Wike and only three now backing Fubara. On September 17, 2025, Tinubu lifted the suspension, ordering the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers to resume duties.