Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Friday made his return to Port Harcourt, a day after Rivers State lawmakers resumed legislative duties following the suspension of emergency rule.
Fubara arrived at the Port Harcourt International Airport at about 11:50 a.m., where a crowd of jubilant supporters had gathered at the VIP wing to welcome him back.
His return came more than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu officially lifted the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state in March.
During that period, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas served as sole administrator until handing over power on Wednesday evening.
Although the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened under Speaker Martins Amaewhule on Thursday, Fubara did not appear at the Government House despite a large turnout of supporters who had assembled in anticipation of his presence.
The governor, alongside his deputy, Ngozi Odu, is expected to resume official duties following months of political tension that culminated in the declaration of emergency rule