The Rivers State Government House, popularly known as the Brick House, remained deserted on Thursday, September 18, 2025, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to resume following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Hundreds of residents, loyalists, and kinsmen of the governor from the Ijaw ethnic nationality had gathered at the gates of the Government House in Port Harcourt, expecting a dramatic homecoming. But as dusk fell, their hopes turned into disappointment when Fubara neither arrived at the state capital nor made any public appearance.
The outgoing Sole Administrator, who had overseen the affairs of the state during the emergency period, formally relinquished his role earlier in the day and exited the Brick House, leaving the seat of power vacant.
Sources within the Government House confirmed that the facility had been largely shut down, with only a handful of security personnel and essential civil servants granted access. Even members of the Government House Press Corps and protocol officers were reportedly locked out.
“Nothing is happening there now until the governor resumes,” one official, who requested anonymity, told reporters, adding, “The place is just empty, like during a transition period. Most workers were turned back, and until the governor returns, the Brick House will remain quiet.”
The absence of the governor came as a shock to many, given earlier expectations that he would immediately resume office once the state of emergency was lifted on September 17.
Ezebunwo Ichemati, former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government, said the people had trooped out in celebration of the end of the emergency rule and the anticipated restoration of democratic governance.
“Today is historic for Rivers State. We are happy that the state of emergency has been lifted. Rivers people expected the governor to return and resume his constitutional duties, working in harmony with the State Assembly to deliver the dividends of democracy. While we thank President Tinubu for restoring normalcy, we also look forward to the governor stepping in to play his part”, Ichemati said.
As at press time, Fubara’s whereabouts remained unknown, leaving the state’s political atmosphere clouded with uncertainty.
