From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
Hundreds of residents from the 23 local government areas of Rivers State on Thursday converged at Government House, Port Harcourt to welcome Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Governor Fubara who was suspended by the proclamation of the national Assembly was expected to resume office on Thursday following the lifting of the six months state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu.
Different groups comprising of men, women and youths have gathered at the entrance gate of Government House , Port Harcourt to welcome the governor after the state of emergency was lifted.
The massive crowd most of them came with different dancing troops have taken over the stretch of the popular UTC junction to Azikiwe road leading to Government.
The surging crowd have caused serious traffic gridlock as motorists battled to meander through the chaotic traffic situation. Many residents also resorted to long trekking because of the difficult traffic situation within precinct of Government House.
Governor Fubara is yet to make public appearance since the emergency rule was lifted but sources close to Government House said the governor will soon arrive Government House to take charge of the affairs of the state.
Some of the jubilant residents at the Government House who spoke with our reporter expressed joy that democratic governance has been restored in the State.
Peter Aboh, a resident of Port Harcourt said he was happy that democratic governance has been restored in the State.
“Yes many of us abandoned what we are doing to come and rejoice with the governor on his reinstatement as a democratically elected governor of Rivers State. We are happy and that is why you see this surging crowd. We thank God that democracy have finally come to stay in Rivers State.
Another resident, Jack Peterside commended president Almed Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency in Rivers State.
“I want to use this opportunity to commend President Tinubu for lifting the state of emergency which suspended all the democratic structures in the State. We are happy and that is the reason why we have come to celebrate with our governor. We are grateful to president Almed Tinubu for restoration of democratic structures in the State we want to also congratulate our governor for his reinstatement after the 6 months suspension,” he said.
President Tinubu had on Wednesday lifted the 6 months state of emergency in the state.
The state of emergency was declared in the state following several months of stand off between governor Fubara and the 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
