Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed deep gratitude to thousands of supporters who turned out to welcome him back to Port Harcourt following the end of emergency rule in the state.
Crowds from his political base, known as the Simplified Family, had massed at the Government House on Thursday, hoping to receive the governor. Although he did not appear then, the supporters regrouped on Friday at the airport, where Fubara finally arrived to a rapturous reception.
Addressing the cheering crowd, the governor described the welcome as overwhelming, saying he was shown photographs of Thursday’s gathering and was deeply moved by the show of solidarity.
“I’m really humbled by what I saw at the airport today. I was also briefed with photographs of what happened yesterday. That reception showed love, confidence and solidarity. I want to assure you that, by the grace of God, we will continue to do those things that made you love us,” Fubara said.
The governor is expected to formally resume office following President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the six-month emergency rule imposed in March.
Supporters say his return signals a new chapter for Rivers politics, as Fubara promised to sustain the policies that endeared his administration to the people.
