By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Port Harcourt
The long wait for the return of democratic governance in Rivers State ended on Thursday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara resumed office amid jubilation from his supporters who stormed the Government House, Port Harcourt, in the early hours of the day.
This came after Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), who administered the state during six months of emergency rule, delivered a statewide broadcast formally handing over power back to the elected governor and his deputy, Dr. Ngozi Odu.
President Bola Tinubu had in March suspended Fubara and other democratic institutions while declaring emergency rule in the state following political unrest. Ibas was appointed to manage the affairs of Rivers, a development that drew mixed reactions within and outside the state.
On Wednesday, September 17, Tinubu lifted the emergency order, restoring democratic structures and directing elected officials to resume their offices on September 18.
In his final address, Ibas thanked Rivers people for their cooperation during what he described as “an extraordinary season in the life of the state.”
He highlighted achievements recorded under his watch, including the conduct of local government elections, restoration of law and order, reconstitution of statutory boards, and passage of the state budget by the National Assembly.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us,” Ibas said. “They reflect the resilience of a people determined never to let their state slip into paralysis.”
The retired naval chief urged Rivers people to give Governor Fubara their full support, stressing that no leader can succeed without the active backing of citizens.
“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be, it can only come to fruition with the support of the people,” he said, adding that he was leaving office “with confidence and respect” in Fubara’s ability to lead.
For many supporters who converged on the Government House, Fubara’s reinstatement marks not just a personal victory but the return of the people’s mandate.
His immediate challenge will be to stabilize governance, rebuild trust in institutions, and heal political divisions deepened by the crisis that necessitated emergency rule.
Observers believe that how Fubara navigates this delicate phase will determine the strength of Rivers State’s democracy in the months ahead.