Samuel Marshall
Thousands of Rivers people on Thursday, 18th September, 2025, turned Azikiwe Road into a carnival ground as they celebrated the reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The crowd, drawn from all 23 local government areas of the state, lined the stretch from Government House to Isaac Boro Park in a show of relief and renewed confidence after six months of political deadlock.
The celebration followed the lifting of the suspension imposed on the Rivers State Government by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 18th March, 2025. The directive had stalled governance, affecting the governor, his deputy, and the State Assembly, and plunging the state into administrative paralysis.
Although the actual comeback of the Governor took place the following day, Thursday’s expected return was celebrated with drumming, dancing, and chants of solidarity songs. A live band positioned near Government House entertained supporters, while cultural troupes and social clubs in brightly colored uniforms added vibrancy to the scene. Supporters waved placards and banners as rhythmic slogans echoed throughout the crowd.
Observers estimated that the turnout stretched for over a mile, with traffic grinding to a halt along the usually busy road. More than 100 buses, which had brought several groups, were stationed nearby to convey celebrants back to their homes after the event.
Despite the jubilant mood, the political undertones were unmistakable. One motorist caught in the congestion quipped: “Are they celebrating the victory of Fubara or Wike?” – a remark pointing to the continuing rivalry and uneasy political balance between the governor and his predecessor, former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Some participants offered candid assessments of the governor’s appeal. An observer, who asked not to be named, told The Newswriter: “People love Fubara’s control, they love Wike’s control, they love Ibas’s control – people love anyone who can provide stipends to improve their personal well-being. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter who is in charge as long as benefits come.”
Others expressed optimism in simpler terms. One supporter remarked: “Half a loaf is better than none,” suggesting that the governor’s reinstatement, though not a complete resolution of the political crisis, was still a welcome relief.
Critics have recalled Governor Fubara’s earlier comments during the suspension when he declared: “Do you think I’m even interested in going back there? Don’t you see how much better I look? My spirit had left that place long ago!” His return has now sparked debate on whether his spirit – and political resolve – have truly returned to Government House or whether compromises were made.
There was also speculation among attendees about whether the Rivers State House of Assembly might revisit financial transactions from the Ibas regime and how Fubara would manage his current alignment with Wike’s political structure.
Still, for many in attendance, Thursday’s event was less about politics and more about relief. As one elderly woman from Khana LGA put it, “We are just happy the governor is back. Let peace remain in Rivers State.”
The scale of the gathering, one of the largest political processions seen in Port Harcourt in recent years, underscored both the high expectations and the deep divisions that continue to define Rivers’ politics.***
