Confusion has gripped Rivers State following the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The development came shortly after the exit of the Sole Administrator, Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, who in a statewide broadcast on Thursday morning announced that he had handed over to the governor. However, hours after his departure, Governor Fubara has not been sighted at the Government House or in any official capacity, raising questions about his location and the state of governance.
Arise Television correspondent in Rivers State, Friday Olokor, who gave an update during the Morning Show programme, explained that while the atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains calm, the absence of the governor has created unease. He noted that residents are anxiously awaiting clarity as the political vacuum continues.
Olokor also disclosed that the Rivers State House of Assembly, which remains factionalized, has its members holding separate meetings to continue legislative activities. According to him, the divisions within the Assembly have further deepened the challenges facing the state, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of the ongoing political crisis.
He stressed that both factions are expected to work towards reconciliation to prevent a repeat of past political unrest. “Leadership is not supposed to have a vacuum,” Olokor stated, adding that “the people of Rivers have suffered a lot, and it is believed that history should not repeat itself again.”
For now, speculations remain rife about when Governor Fubara will reappear officially to resume his duties. Meanwhile, residents and political observers are closely watching developments as the state continues to navigate its fragile political climate.