Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will make a statewide broadcast at 6 p.m. on Friday, following his return to office after six months of emergency rule.
Fubara disclosed the plan while speaking with journalists at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He expressed gratitude to residents for the massive show of support during his return, saying:
“That reception really humbled me. It showed love and solidarity.”
The governor arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport at about 12:19 p.m. on Friday, where a large crowd of supporters had gathered to welcome him. He was accompanied by his wife, top government officials, and security chiefs, including his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
On arrival, Fubara inspected his official residence before proceeding to his office.
His return came a day after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State in March, which led to the appointment of retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator. Ibas handed over to Fubara on Wednesday night.
The emergency rule was declared amid a fierce political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, over control of the state’s political structure. The crisis also split the state House of Assembly.
Although President Tinubu brokered peace in June between the warring camps, tensions remain as Fubara resumes leadership.