Hundreds of women dressed in red flooded the streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday morning, demanding the reinstatement of the suspended state governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Chanting “Bring Back Sim” in unison, the women took over major roads in a powerful show of solidarity, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to revoke the emergency rule currently in place in the state.
Details shortly…
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and incumbent Senator, Seriake Dickson, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on stakeholders in the Rivers State political crisis especially Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and suspended Governor Siminialayi Fubara to find a common ground for tolerance and accommodation for a quicker resolution.
The advice forms part of the experience he had with Fubara after visiting him in Port Harcourt at the weekend.
Dickson, in his official Facebook Page said Fubara told him that he was confident in institutions and the leadership of the country to do the right thing.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West appreciated Fubara’s calmness and peaceful disposition in the midst of unprecedented turbulence.
Dickson said: “We discussed the extreme political developments in the state in the last couple of weeks. I appreciated his calmness and peaceful disposition in the midst of unprecedented turbulence.
“In our frank conversation, which was private, he expressed confidence in the ability of the institutions and leadership of the country to do what is right, and so do I”.
The senator hailed the people for maintaining peace and order amidst what he described as a rare and extreme political development, but warned that though everywhere in the state seemed calm, it could be the peace of the graveyard and any little trigger could alter the balance of peace across the Niger Delta.
He said: “In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers State, and in particular the youths of Ijaw Nation, in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta, from Arogbo in Ondo State, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalisation of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment, slow down the pace of economic development and activities in the region, and create fiscal challenges for government at all levels in the country, especially at this time when the global economy is experiencing unprecedented instability with consequences for all nations.
“On account of the above, I urge all stakeholders to place the overall well-being of Rivers State, its people, the Niger Delta region and the entire country in their decisions, utterances and actions.”
Former Niger Delta freedom fighter and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, has predicted the return of suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to the Government House.
He stressed the need for people of the Niger Delta to embrace dialogue and peaceful co-existence.
Tompolo in Ijaw language, made the statement at the weekend at a large gathering held at Aziza Temple, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, on the occasion of his 54th birthday.
Speaking on the fresh delineation of wards in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission, he called for dialogue among stakeholders.
Recalling the tension that accompanied the remarks credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, he urged Ijaw people to show restraint, emphasising the need for peace and unity within Ijaw nation.
Noting the role of the Ijaw in the emergence of Wike as governor of Rivers State, he expressed confidence that Fubara would return to the top Rivers State job. He urged both parties to reconcile.
Dickson urged the Rivers Sole Administrator, whom he described as a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta, to refrain from actions that would not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.
He hailed the security forces for keeping peace in the region and urged them to continue to work with stakeholders and constituted authorities in Rivers and across the Niger Delta .
He said: “We must learn to tolerate and manage one another in spite of our imperfections and always remember the unique relationship they have built over the years, which has led to the emergence of the governor. It is always the divine prerogative of fathers to tolerate and forebear for the overall interest of all.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw Nation is not at war with the Federal Government or with the President, and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule. I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the state and national level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.
“The Ijaw Nation is not at war with the President or the APC-led Federal Government. On the contrary the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation have always stood for a restructured and truly federal Nigeria where power is properly devolved, accelerated infrastructure and human capital development, environmental justice and fairness for all, and an inclusive Nigeria. On all these issues, we are encouraged to see the President as a partner from his antecedence and not a foe irrespective of party differences as some may portray.”
Former Niger Delta freedom fighter and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has expressed confidence that suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, will return to office.
Tompolo made the remark while addressing a large gathering in Ijaw language at the Aziza Temple in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, during his 54th birthday celebration on Saturday, April 12.
He emphasised the importance of peace, unity, and dialogue among the people of the Niger Delta, urging them to resolve differences without violence.
Commenting on the recent ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tompolo appealed for dialogue among stakeholders.
He also addressed the rising tension over comments attributed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, advising the Ijaw people to exercise restraint.
Acknowledging the Ijaw support for Wike’s rise to power, he called for reconciliation between the parties involved and reaffirmed his belief that Fubara would reclaim his position as Rivers Governor.
According to the Egbesu Chief Priest, “I have sat on the throne of my father and all that is lost will return to glory, the Ijaws will never be conquered people, if Ijaws chose to go to war, the heavens will join us, I have never fought a battle and lost.
“Let’s continue to support President Tinubu, he will bring all the good things we desire to Ijaw Nation, he is not a bad person.
“On the issue of ward delineation, we and the itsekiris are not at war, they know the truth, the Gbaramatu town of Omadino is 40 years older than all Itsekiris communities, so why fighting someone older than you?, they know that if you put all the Itsekiris town together they are not close to the population in Okerenkoko, so INEC only revealed the truth.
“For those instigating war, the Olu of Warri is a maternal son of Gbaramatu, so you see we are one people, would you fight your own people?
“On the issue in Rivers state, because I have not spoken they say I have betrayed the Ijaw Nation, but l cannot betray Ijaw Nation, I have spent all my life fighting for Ijaw, but we have passed the stage of responding to Wike’s kind of statement, we are no longer in that level.
“I assure you that Governor Fubara will return back as Governor, we are already discussing, both he and wike are like father and son, before he became Governor, many Ijaws were against him yet Wike was instrumental to his emergence just like we also supported Wike.
“And just like l will not accept rebellion from my son, l will also not cause more problems, Wike is angry, but he has to bring his temper down for the good of all, we will dialogue and resolve all lingering issues, and again Fubara will return to his seat.
“But you see that Bayelsa, as we are all here, our eyes are there, that is our home, if you try Bayelsa you will die, l and Gov. Diri may differ in opinion but we are Ijaws, Bayelsa is the home of all Ijaws, those who are still carrying guns against their fellow Ijaws, it’s time to love ourselves.” He emphasised.
Fubara will return to his seat – Tompolo
FORMER MEND leader, High Chief (Dr) Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo has broken his silence almost a month after State of Emergency Declaration in Rivers State and assured that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara will return to his post.
Tompolo made the revelation Saturday during his 54th birthday celebration at Aziza temple in Gbaramatu.
The Egbesu Chief Priest also spoke about the Report of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Delineation in Warri federal constituency.
Tompolo said people have been accusing him of betraying the Ijaw nation for being silent over the removal of Rivers State governor Sim Fubara, emphasising that he can’t betray the Ijaw nation he has been fighting for all through his life.
Tompolo remarked that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is his friend, adding that Ijaw people equally made Wike, a governor in Rivers State.
Tompolo appealed to angry Ijaws over Wike’s insults on the Ijaw nation, noting that the Ijaw nation had outgrown responding to Wike’s kind of statement, saying that Ijaw is no longer in that level.
He assured the people of Rivers State and Ijaw nation that Governor Sim Fubara will soon return to office as Governor, maintaining that talks are ongoing to resolve the differences between both Wike and Sim Fubara.
Former Bayelsa state governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, has shared his experience after visiting the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt.
Dickson in his official Facebook Page said Fubara told her m that he was confident in institutions and the leadership of the country to do the right thing.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West appreciated Fubara’s calmness and peaceful disposition in the midst of unprecedented turbulence.
Dickson said: “We discussed the extreme political developments in the state in the last couple of weeks. I appreciated his calmness and peaceful disposition in the midst of unprecedented turbulence.
“In our frank conversation, which was private, he expressed confidence in the ability of the institutions and leadership of the country to do what is right, and so do I”.
The senator commended the people of the state for maintaining peace and order amidst what he described as a rare and extreme political development, but warned that though everywhere in the state seemed calm it could be the peace of the graveyard and any little trigger could alter the balance of peace across the Niger Delta region.
He said: “In this regard, I want to appeal to all our people, the youths of Rivers State, and in particular the youths of Ijaw Nation, in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta, from Arugbo in Ondo State, to Ibeno in Akwa Ibom State, to continue to be peaceful and resist any provocation or incitement to violence.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalization of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the tendency to cause further pollution-damage to our already compromised environment, slow down the pace of economic development and activities in the region, and create fiscal challenges for government at all levels in the country, especially at this time when the global economy is experiencing unprecedented instability with consequences for all nations.
“On account of the above, I urge all stakeholders to place the overall well-being of Rivers state, its people, the Niger Delta region and the entire country in their decisions, utterances and actions.”
Dickson urged the Rivers Sole Administrator, whom he described as a highly decorated and respected military veteran from the Niger Delta region, to refrain from actions that would not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis.
He commended the security forces for keeping peace in the region and urged them to continue to work with stakeholders and constituted authorities in Rivers and across the Niger Delta region.
Dickson called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on stakeholders, especially the FCT Minister and Fubara to find a common ground for tolerance and accommodation for a quick resolution.
He said: “We must learn to tolerate and manage one another in spite of our imperfections and always remember the unique relationship they have built over the years, which has led to the emergence of the governor. It is always the divine prerogative of fathers to tolerate and forebear for the overall interest of all.
“On the part of the President, I would like to state that the Ijaw Nation is not at war with the Federal Government or with the President, and we are looking up to him as the leader of the nation to lead in the resolution of the issues and restore normalcy and democratic rule. I call on all leaders from the Niger Delta both at the State and National level to play an active part in the resolution of this issue.
“The Ijaw Nation is not at war with the President or the APC-led Federal Government. On the contrary the Niger Delta and the Ijaw Nation have always stood for a restructured and truly federal Nigeria where power is properly devolved, accelerated infrastructure and human capital development, environmental justice and fairness for all, and an inclusive Nigeria. On all these issues, we are encouraged to see the President as a partner from his antecedence and not a foe irrespective of party differences as some may portray.”
Sir: Political godfatherism and mentorship are common in democratic societies, and Nigeria is no exception. However, one may wonder how many of these relationships have led to peace, harmony, and the continued progress of governance in the country.
The recent disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, which started just three months after Fubara’s inauguration in 2023, has unfortunately escalated into a prolonged political crisis. This has hindered good governance and the delivery of democratic benefits to the people of Rivers State.
While it is true that Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has shown overbearing traits and excesses, Fubara’s actions towards his former mentor—such as his disloyalty and betrayal—are deeply troubling and cannot be justified. As a beneficiary of Wike’s political mentorship, Fubara should have understood that great responsibility comes with the privilege of being supported into power. Unfortunately, he allowed those who never supported his candidacy or contributed to his rise to manipulate and exploit him for their selfish gain.
It is disappointing and shameful that the elders, leaders, and traditional rulers in Rivers State failed to step in during this crisis. Instead of working to resolve the issue, many of them chose sides, letting emotions cloud their judgment and turning into part of the problem rather than offering solutions.
In the midst of this political turmoil, President Tinubu intervened to broker peace, and an agreement was signed by all parties. Governor Fubara initially began to implement the agreement, but his so-called allies pressured him to abandon the plan. Some even took the president to court. This led to further complications.
The situation worsened when the Supreme Court ruled that governance in Rivers State had become dysfunctional due to the governor’s side-lining of the state House of Assembly. The ruling affirmed the authority of the state assembly, led by Speaker Amaewule, and ordered the resumption of legislative activities without obstruction. However, the governor’s refusal to present the budget to the assembly created a deadlock. This, combined with the assembly’s aggressive tactics, led to the issuance of an impeachment notice against the governor, which paralyzed government activities and caused a standstill in the state’s administration.
The political situation reached a breaking point when certain ethnic groups in the state threatened peace and national assets, and there were attacks on oil pipelines. The governor failed to take any action or even condemn these actions, leaving President Tinubu with no choice but to declare a state of emergency, as permitted by the constitution. This intervention helped restore some stability and provided an opportunity for the warring factions to come to the negotiating table and find a peaceful resolution.
It is ironic and frustrating to now hear harsh criticism from individuals who had previously supported or remained silent during the governor’s unconstitutional actions. Where were these voices when Governor Fubara was disregarding the constitution and the rule of law? Some of these same critics were seen encouraging him in his unlawful behaviour, which only fuelled the crisis.
The truth must be told: the political situation in Rivers State was heading towards disaster before President Tinubu’s decisive intervention. Declaring a state of emergency is a necessary and extraordinary measure in such extreme circumstances, and it is unfair for self-serving leaders to criticize the president for doing what was needed to restore order.
Every state of emergency in Nigeria’s history has been unique, and the one declared in Rivers State is no exception. The president’s action was aimed at preventing a worse outcome and giving the state a chance to recover.
The state of emergency has created a window for reconciliation. I urge leaders and elder statesmen to set aside their emotions and become part of the peace process, instead of acting as obstacles. Only through unity can Rivers State return to normalcy.
I also call on disruptive individuals, such as the federal lawmaker from Imo State, to stay away from Rivers State for the sake of peace and progress.
•Lanre Atere,
United Kingdom.
There is no breakthrough yet in the effort to reconcile the warring personalities in the Rivers State political crisis, The Nation can now report.
Governor Siminilayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and all the state legislators were suspended for six months under the state of emergency imposed on the state on March 20 by President Bola Tinubu on account of the crisis.
His request to the National Assembly for the endorsement of the state of emergency declaration was promptly granted.
The two chambers however proposed to set up a committee to reconcile the warring personalities before the expiration of the six-month suspension.
But two weeks after, there is no concrete action yet to implement the proposed reconciliation between Governor Fubara and his supporters and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and his supporters.
Political sources in the state told The Nation in Port Harcourt that one of the factors delaying the reconciliation process was the role played by some notable leaders in the state and the Ijaw nation in the crisis.
One of the sources, an Ijaw, who does not want his name in print, said that instead of maintaining neutrality during the crisis, most of the leaders took sides and had lost the expected credibility to galvanise a genuine move for reconciliation.
According to him, many Ijaw leaders sided with the governor and despised Wike, a development he said aggravated the crisis.
“Those that should have led us out of the woods this time around took sides in the crisis. They lack the credibility to call the two parties to a roundtable,” the source said.
“Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who should have led the peace talks at this time, was pushed to side with Governor Fubara in the crisis.
“The Ijaw National Congress (INC), led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, disappointed the Ijaw through its obvious partiality in the matter. Prof. Okaba did not help matters at all.
“The body can no longer be deployed to ensure genuine reconciliation. The leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also took a position in the crisis.
“You remember that all the elders in Rivers are already divided into Wike’s or Fubara’s elders.
“These are people that should have risen to the occasion at this point, but they no longer command the respect that can foster genuine reconciliation.
“As it stands, there is nothing visible being done to kick-start any reconciliation.”
Fubara has returned to his private residence in Port Harcourt while many of the suspended lawmakers are said to be holidaying outside the country.
The President of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri, said if the Ijaw had applied tact as against threats, the Rivers problem would have been nipped in the bud before it got out of hand.
Jonathan said: “Permit me to reflect on the state we are as Ijaw nation regarding the state of emergency in Rivers.
“I can, with all sense of responsibility and conviction, state that if we had applied wisdom in the management of this crisis in Rivers, we would not be where we are today.
“Instead of using wisdom in matters we can nip in the bud, we chose to threaten war that we were not prepared for.
“I have seen over times that emotion has never won a war. But planning and strategic consultations do.
“People in the name of struggle, even in the matters we can nip in the bud and caution ourselves internally, rush to the media and threaten war and give the enemies an opportunity to fortify themselves for it, and when the war comes, we no longer speak.”
Jonathan claimed some leaders spoke carelessly when they were supposed to lead the peace process.
He, however, said such leaders suddenly went quiet when they were expected to actualise the threats they issued.
He said the situation in Rivers was never a war between the Ijaw and the Ikwerre ethnic nationalities and wondered what would have happened if the Ikwerre had returned the threats.
Jonathan said: “People speak carelessly in an attempt to put an ethnic group into a war that is avoidable. For those who threatened fire and brimstone, the war came but I didn’t hear their voices anymore.
“We must be wise in prosecuting the struggles of the Niger Delta.
“If this was how our leaders went about their struggle, I am not sure anybody would have respected the Ijaw nation.
“Most of those making unguarded statements are people we clap for without cautioning them.
“There is no war between Ijaw and Ikwerre and any other ethnic group. If the Ikwerre ethnic group had responded to our unguarded statements, there would be war already in Rivers.”
Jonathan said while he would like Fubara to return to office quickly and complete his tenure, the Ijaw must avoid resorting to emotions in times of crisis.
He said: “Sometimes wisdom is stronger than the arms we think we have gathered.
“If we had solved this problem internally as we advised earlier, we wouldn’t get to this embarrassing moment of a state of emergency.
“I expected missiles to flow when this state of emergency was declared, but those who threatened the war never said anything anymore.”
President of the Movement for Izon Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND), Kennedy Tonjo-West, offered to begin consultations necessary to start reconciliation.
West recalled that MOSIEND was neutral during the crisis and only advised both parties to mend their fences in the interest of peace and development of Rivers.
“I am already undertaking some consultations so that the process of reconciliation can start on time.
“We want Rivers to return to a process of reconciliation without any delay.”
Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd), assumed office on March 20 following the declaration of emergency rule in the state.
Kinsmen of suspended Governor Fubara from Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area of the state have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to end the emergency rule.
They said reversing the emergency rule would allow for diplomatic and justifiable resolutions of the lingering political crisis in the state.
In a communique at the end of a meeting at Opobo, Fubara’s hometown, critical stakeholders from the area said the declaration was unconstitutional and counter-productive, claiming it had induced untold hardship and economic strangulation in the state.
The communique was signed by Amaopusenibo Ben Daminabo, Prof.Blessing Jaja, Alabo-Elect Edward Namiesimagha, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, Alabo Sam Stewart, Maclean Minimah, and Amaopusenibo Emma Taribo, among others.
The Opobo/Nkoro leaders said: “We affirm our inalienable commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence and stability of our state and nation in line with universally acceptable democratic principles and ethos in line with the extant provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Whereas we unequivocally subscribe to proactive intervention by all and sundry to ensure restoration and sustenance of peace, safety and security of life and property of the citizenry, with the highest sense of patriotism, responsibility and unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, stability and progress of our dear nation, Nigeria, we express deep concerns regarding the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers.”
Addressing the President, they said: “While we acknowledge Your Excellency’s commitment to upholding law and order across the federation and your unwavering determination to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians, we regrettably observed that the decision fell short of its constitutional requirements as provided under the relevant sections of 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
“It is evident the issues/matters presented to you were evidently blown out of proportion and did not reflect realities on ground in Rivers State. As at today, Rivers, despite recent political tensions, is not in a state of lawlessness or breakdown of law and order as encapsulated in the constitution to warrant extreme measure”.
The leaders said contrary to all the lies bandied by those they said did not mean well for the state, Fubara publicly declared his acceptance of the Supreme Court’s judgment and his readiness to implement it to the letter.”
They highlighted Fubara’s efforts toward the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill (Budget) to the state lawmakers, payment of backlog of salaries and allowances to them and provision of a suitable place for the conduct of legislative businesses.
They observed that the Sole Administrator, Vice-Marshal Ibok Ibas (rtd) confirmed that the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex upgrade project by Siminalayi Fubara had reached over 80 per cent completion.
They said: “No evidence whatsoever that oil pipelines and or other critical national assets in Rivers State have been bombed or in any way attacked nor tampered with in the state.
“No single life has been lost or anyone killed as erroneously claimed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on national television.
“The perceived crisis is largely politically orchestrated and motivated, and does not reflect the general atmosphere of peace enjoyed by all LGAs, including Opobo/Nkoro LGA where His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS our suspended Governor hails from and across the other 22 LGAs of Rivers State.
“Security agencies have not had any challenging situation of threat to law and order nor any disruptions in the general peaceful atmosphere in the State.
“Traditional institutions, local leadership and community structures have continued to promote peace among various groups.
“The general populace remains peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to harmonious coexistence.
“We reaffirm the existing unalloyed confidence in the ability of the governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr.) Siminalayi Fubara to pilot the affairs of the state as provided under the extant law.
“Rather than a state of emergency, we most respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider more diplomatic and constructive approaches to resolving the prevailing tensions.”
The leaders recommended high level stakeholders engagement to de-escalate tensions and strengthen security agencies to handle isolated security challenges more effectively without invoking emergency powers.
Kinsmen of suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, from Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area, have called on President Bola Tinubu to end the ongoing emergency rule in the state.
In a communique issued after a stakeholders’ meeting in Opobo, Fubara’s hometown, the group appealed for a reversal of the declaration, stating it would pave the way for diplomatic and fair resolution of the prolonged political crisis.
They described the emergency rule as unconstitutional and counterproductive, arguing that it has inflicted severe economic hardship and stifled development across the state.
The communique was signed by several prominent figures from the area, including Amaopusenibo Ben Daminabo, Prof. Blessing Jaja, Alabo-Elect Edward Namiesimagha, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, Alabo Sam Stewart, Maclean Minimah, and Amaopusenibo Emma Taribo.
The Opobo/Nkoro leaders said: “We affirm our inalienable commitment to the unity, peaceful coexistence and stability of our state and nation in line with universally acceptable democratic principles and ethos in line with the extant provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“Whereas we unequivocally subscribe to proactive intervention by all and sundry to ensure restoration and sustenance of peace, safety and security of life and property of the citizenry, with the highest sense of patriotism, responsibility and unwavering commitment to the peace, unity, stability and progress of our dear nation, Nigeria, we express deep concerns regarding the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers.”
Addressing the President, they said: “While we acknowledge Your Excellency’s commitment to upholding law and order across the federation and your unwavering determination to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians, we regrettably observed that the decision fell short of its constitutional requirements as provided under the relevant sections of 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
“It is evident the issues/matters presented to you were evidently blown out of proportion and did not reflect realities on ground in Rivers State. As at today, Rivers, despite recent political tensions, is not in a state of lawlessness or breakdown of law and order as encapsulated in the constitution to warrant extreme measure”.
The leaders said contrary to all the lies bandied by those, they said did not mean well for the state, Fubara publicly declared his acceptance of the Supreme Court’s judgment and his readiness to implement it to the letter.”
They highlighted Fubara’s efforts towards the re-presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill (Budget) to the state lawmakers, payment of backlog of salaries and allowances to them and provision of a suitable place for the conduct of legislative businesses.
They observed that the Sole Administrator, Vice-Marshal Ibok Ibas (rtd) confirmed that the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex upgrade project by Siminalayi Fubara had reached over 80 per cent completion.
They said: “No evidence whatsoever that oil pipelines and or other critical national assets in Rivers State have been bombed or in anyway attacked nor tampered with in the State, no single life has been lost nor anyone killed as erroneously claimed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, on national television.
“The perceived crisis is largely politically orchestrated and motivated, and does not reflect the general atmosphere of peace enjoyed by all LGAs, including Opobo/Nkoro LGA where His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS our suspended Governor hails from and across the other 22 LGAs of Rivers State.
“Security agencies have not had any challenging situation of threat to law and order nor any disruptions in the general peaceful atmosphere in the State.
“Traditional institutions, local leadership, and community structures have continued to promote peace among various groups. The general populace remains peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to harmonious coexistence.
“We reaffirm the existing unalloyed confidence in the ability of the governor of Rivers State, Sir (Dr.) Siminalayi Fubara to pilot affairs of the State as provided under the extant law.
“Rather than a state of emergency, we most respectfully urge Your Excellency to consider more diplomatic and constructive approaches to resolving the prevailing tensions.”
The leaders recommended high level stakeholders engagement to de-escalate tensions and strengthening security agencies to handle isolated security challenges more effectively without invoking emergency powers.
Sir: When the not-too-young to rule bill was passed to law some years ago, lot of Nigerians hailed the move as laudable and a bold step towards the country’s future development. Sadly, the recent political misadventure by Siminalayi Fubara, the youthful governor of Rivers State, which has led to the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of his government by the president, constitutes a grave discouragement to many Nigerians, whose idea of giving the youths a chance seem now misplaced or untimely.
Fubara was a victim of political megalomania, which experts describe as excessive self-esteem. Not a few Nigerians were taken aback by Fubara’s inscrutable attitudinal disposition to all pleas and advice to tread softly in his daggers-drawn approach to the governing of the oil rich Rivers State.
For close to two years, Fubara held Rivers State at the jugular, destroying constitutionalism and governing by the rule of his political idiosyncrasies and despotism.
Nyesom Wike had probably mistaken the political personality of the youthful Fubara as an unassuming young politician who could be mentored and groomed to gain political ascendancy in a rapidly emerging Rivers State political potentate.
The sad thing about Fubara was his penchant for seeing every opposition or challenge within the context of enemies and foes who wanted to topple his government. Fubara failed to realize that consensus and compromise are the hallmarks of politics and many great political decisions have been reached and achieved based on political consensus building and compromise.
Fubara courted trouble when he disregarded the state House of Assembly and began a yeoman rule seeing everybody as against his government, being a sign of political naivety and gross immaturity.
Now that the bubble has burst and the cat out of the bag, what sort of lesson should Fubara learn from the six months suspension as governor and the President’s declaration of the state of emergency in Rivers State?
Fubara should use the next six months to mend broken fences and frayed nerves in Rivers State. He should return to the drawing board to see where he has missed it. There is a Yoruba proverb that “when a man falls, the elders look backward but the young ones look forward”.
He should seek truce with Nyesom Wike his estranged political father and seek collaboration for a return of sanity to the Rivers State politics. The Yoruba also have an adage that says “a river that forgets its source will soon dry off”. Whether Fubara likes it or not, Wike constituted one of his sources for making him the governor of the state. You don’t discard such person like a pack of cards or a wave of the hands and think you can go scot free.
Wike resides in Abuja, yet he commands more respect than the governor who resides in the state, to show that political greatness is not by rascality or much talk; it is an art of wisdom and astute leadership by action and purpose.
What he does in the next six months before the expiration of the state of emergency is crucial and will determine whether he will return to pick up the crucibles of his governorship or begin to sing his likely Nunc-dimittis from politics.
He would need caution not to jeopardize a glorious political career beckoning on him.
•Sunday Olagunju,
Ibadan, Oyo State.
Madam Ann Kio Briggs, famed Ijaw nationalist and Niger Delta environmentalist, just announced a queer theory of “truth”, which she must tell President Bola Tinubu, for halting looming anarchy in her native Rivers.
But she couldn’t tell Governor Siminilayi Fubara, who worked tooth and nail to rush Rivers to its present sorry pass, that same “truth”. Odd, isn’t that?
Perhaps her “truth” always falls flat on Ijaw ears, but firmly registers on others’, outside her beloved Ijaw conclave?
Here is yet another troubling tragi-comedy from Rivers elders. Instead of telling Fubara the “truth” — holy Moses! That word again! — they pelted his ears with clannish lies: sweet but noxious music to the tragic Fubara, until things blew up in his face.
Still, emergency rule has gifted Fubara a rare chance to politically live again. He did enough self-harm for the Wike forces to impeach him, even if the “Ijaw” ensemble were banking on their “youths” to shake things up at the pipelines, and send darling Rivers into a tailspin. But would anarchy have rescued Fubara?
Now, to x-ray Madam Briggs’s “truth”: “I cannot be afraid at my age now at 72, I cannot be afraid of telling even President Tinubu that he is wrong because the president was born in 1952 and I was born in 1952,” she sad in a video which Symfoni TV shared. “If other people are afraid to tell him the truth because he has appointed them,” — a dig at Nyesom Wike, FCT minister? — “I can understand that, but he hasn’t appointed me. I’m speaking on behalf of my people, my region, myself and my family. So, please, there is no anarchy anywhere in Rivers State.”
Yeah, right! But wasn’t that why emergency rule was imposed — to forestal anarchy? Or should the president have waited for anarchy before acting?
All the stuff about being the same age with the president is emotional blather. They have nothing to do with the substance. Neither does her play to the gallery that she isn’t a presidential appointee.
She isn’t Fubara’s appointee, either. But, did she ever caution Fubara — even while far older — her excitable “Ijaw” governor, with his surfeit of childish pranks, as telling Ijaw “youths” to be calm and await further “instructions”?
Did she ever warn him against his unalterable constitutional crime of spending public money without parliamentary authorization throughout 2024, a recklessness he had also essayed for 2025 before the Supreme Court put him in his place? Did she utter even a moan when Fubara demolished the Rivers House of Assembly?
Truth, indeed! This Briggsian truth — pardon that coinage — must be of some exotic hue!
The truth is Briggs and co had jumped on the Ijaw bandwagon, hailing every outrage from the Fubara camp, though the Wike camp too had own issues. Another sorry voice on that front was the late Edwin Clark. But at least, Clark was from Delta. Madam Briggs is from Rivers.
Now, Clark is dead, but the misled Fubara lives to hold the short end of the stick! But it’s poetic justice that Madam Briggs is alive to see the mess Rivers has become!
Ann Kio Briggs has no truth to tell anyone. If she had any, she would have told Fubara; and Rivers wouldn’t have been in its current bind. Truth, indeed!
Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured that the ongoing political crisis in the State will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara spoke when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-el-Fitri Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process.
He said: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but said that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
Fubara reaffirmed commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisioned a society where no one should be oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he said.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties were resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis.
Urging patience and perseverance, Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who wanted to engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements, who sought to destabilise the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor declared solidarity with Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigated the state’s current political challenges.
Uhor said that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stood with Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian State, Fubara acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the Governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges aligned with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor had been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.