Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made his first public appearance on Sunday since the declaration of a state of emergency in the state and his subsequent removal from office.
Fubara was seen attending a worship service at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt, alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
Background on the Suspension
His appearance comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. The directive led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In their place, President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.
Reactions and Developments
The decision has generated mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal experts, and civil society groups, with concerns over its constitutional implications. However, the newly appointed Sole Administrator has since assumed office and initiated key administrative moves.
Among his early actions, Ibas has held emergency security meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and local government heads. He also confirmed the release of the state’s withheld allocations and directed the immediate processing of local government workers’ salaries.
Additionally, he inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, pledging to ensure its timely completion to restore stability in governance.
Fubara’s reappearance in public has sparked speculation about his next steps following his removal from office.
