Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made his first public appearance since the declaration of a state of emergency in the state and his subsequent suspension from office.
The governor was seen arriving for worship at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt, on Sunday.
Fubara’s appearance follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. The declaration resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In their stead, President Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial six-month period.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups. Despite the controversy, the newly appointed Sole Administrator has moved quickly to assume his role.
Since taking office, Ibas has made several strategic moves, including convening emergency security meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and local government officials. During these meetings, he confirmed the release of withheld allocations and ordered the immediate processing of payments for local government workers.
Ibas has also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the State House of Assembly Complex, assuring that its timely completion is crucial to ensuring stability in governance.
Governor Fubara attended the service alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
