Amid the ongoing political uncertainty in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, crediting him with averting a full-blown crisis that could have plunged the oil-rich state into turmoil. Fubara, who is currently under suspension following the federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025, made these remarks during a meeting with stakeholders of the Simplified Movement in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The event marked the second anniversary of Fubara’s inauguration as governor, and although he is not actively in office due to the state of emergency, he used the platform to reflect on recent developments and commend President Tinubu’s role in diffusing escalating tensions.
“We are already in the peace process,” Fubara told his supporters. “I want you to thank Mr. President for his timely intervention to salvage the situation and stabilize the polity and the State. If not for Mr. President, the story today would have been different.”
The governor’s comments refer to the deepening political rift that had emerged between him and his political mentor, Chief Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. What began as a simmering power struggle eventually escalated into an open conflict, leading to state-wide political tension, divided loyalties within the House of Assembly, and concerns about a possible breakdown of governance.
To prevent further deterioration, President Tinubu invoked constitutional powers and declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, 2025. The decision included the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and the entire state assembly. In their place, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee governance during the six-month emergency period.
Despite his suspension, Fubara has remained vocal and visible. He continues to engage with his political base and has refrained from inciting rhetoric, instead emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation. According to him, multiple peace meetings have since taken place to address the feud, including a significant one at the Abuja residence of Wike, facilitated under the guidance of the Presidency.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my Oga,” Fubara said, referring to Wike in a tone that suggested a willingness to mend fences. “There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile.”
His remarks reflect a shift from earlier periods of tension and suggest a more conciliatory approach to resolving the political impasse. Supporters and political observers see this as a strategic attempt to demonstrate statesmanship and maintain political legitimacy in the face of adversity.
The Simplified Movement, which played a key role in Fubara’s 2023 gubernatorial victory, turned out in large numbers for the Port Harcourt gathering. Their presence was a symbolic gesture of continued support, despite the disruption in his tenure. Many of them praised Fubara’s composure and restraint during what they described as an “unjust suspension.”
Political analysts believe that Fubara’s public acknowledgment of President Tinubu’s role is both an appeal and an olive branch. By recognizing the President’s efforts, he not only distances himself from further confrontation but also signals his readiness to cooperate with the federal authorities for the sake of peace and the future of Rivers State.
Although the path forward remains uncertain, one thing is certain: any potential reinstatement of Fubara depends on the outcome of ongoing investigations and the resolution of the political crisis under the Sole Administrator’s supervision. For now, the emergency administration led by Ibas is tasked with maintaining order and ensuring uninterrupted governance.
Nonetheless, Fubara’s supporters remain optimistic. Many are calling for his reinstatement, insisting that his mandate must be respected and that political disagreements should not override democratic principles. Some legal observers have also pointed out that the suspension of an elected governor without impeachment remains controversial and may yet face judicial scrutiny.
Looking ahead, if Fubara is reinstated after the state of emergency expires, he will face the monumental task of repairing fractured alliances, restoring public confidence, and resuming the implementation of his governance agenda. Until then, his focus appears to be on maintaining unity within his camp and promoting dialogue over division.
The political climate in Rivers remains tense but cautiously hopeful. With federal oversight in place, and reconciliation talks continuing behind closed doors, stakeholders are watching closely to see whether peace will be sustained, and whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara will return to office to complete the work he began.
