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  • I have no link to any militant group, says Fubara

    I have no link to any militant group, says Fubara

    Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has warned against linking him to any militant group.

    The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said persons circulating fake videos of pipeline attack were trying hard to connect them to his supporters.

    The statement said already, the communities where the incidents were  alleged to have occurred had reacted, dismissing any claims of explosions on oil and gas facilities in their domains, and reassuring that all critical government assets within their areas were safe, secure and efficiently functioning. 

    The statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has no link to any militant group, does not contemplate any such association, and has no reason to encourage any criminal group or elements, anywhere in the State or Niger Delta, to undertake any action inimical to the peace of the people or safety and security of oil and gas facilities, and by extension, the economy of the country.

    “The Governor had repeatedly made it clear at every public event that the peace of the state is paramount to him, and that he would pay any price to secure and sustain peace in the State, as it is only in an atmosphere of peace and security that governance and development can thrive.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Fubara makes first public appearance after suspension 

    “Governor Fubara vehemently warns purveyors of violence and economic sabotage to steer clear of the State, and avoid any attempt to use his name or capitalise on the present political crisis to foment trouble in the State. 

    “It is also important to warn bloggers and social media hirelings to stop, forthwith, their campaign to create atmosphere of tension, chaos and anarchy in the State, as their fake reports and posts in the last couple of days have triggered enough wrong decisions that would not help the State move forward.

    “Security agencies should take note of these fake videos designed to misinform the people, and further paint the State in bad light, and take every necessary steps to contain them, and bring those behind them to book.”

  • How Fubara’s utterances fueled Rivers crisis

    How Fubara’s utterances fueled Rivers crisis

    The crisis between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his godfather, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reached an unprecedented boiling point, fueled by incendiary remarks and defiant declarations, writes Assistant News Editor PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU.

    The tension in Rivers State occasioned by ego-war between ousted Governor Sim Fubara and his godfather, Nyesom Wike, reached crescendo last week with the declaration of a State of Emergency by President Bola Tinubu and the appointment of a sole administrator retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) and immediate past High Commissioner to Ghana.

    For 13 months, political upheavals have caused instability, governance issues and security tensions in the oil rich state with many attempts at settling the warring parties ending in deadlock.

    But at the heart of this crisis, observers believe, was the many unguarded rhetoric by Fubara, who critics accused of exhibiting crass disloyalty to Wike, the very man who picked him up as his successor, shielded him from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that was out to nail him over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Accountant General of Rivers State, as well as went all out to campaign for him and ensured his victory at the last general elections despite disapprovals from strong actors in the state.

    In the heat of the battle between both men, Fubara is believed to have made a series of bold statements that deepened the divide in the state’s political landscape.

    The illusion of a smooth transition

    Interestingly, when Wike picked Fubara as his successor in the build to the last general elections, many in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and in fact the entire country envisaged a seamless continuation of Wike’s political dynasty. As protégé of the former governor, Fubara was expected to maintain Wike’s legacy while steering the ship of governance in a familiar direction. But underneath this well crafted political succession arrangement laid a ticking bomb that exploded soon after the inauguration of Fubara as governor.

    Cracks began to surface almost immediately Fubara ascended the office with insiders citing the composition of the state executive as the deal breaker.

    Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reportedly handed Fubara a list of loyalists for key positions but the godson had other plans and was bent on asserting his independence.

    Read Also: Rivers emergency declaration: Okpebholo faults Jonathan

    Words that fanned the fire

    In no time, what started as a silent power play turned to a spectacle with both Wike and Fubara making reckless comments that only fueled the fire. While Wike’s outbursts and actions could best past for a godfather fighting to finish to hold onto his claim to power, Fubara’s series of defiant utterances especially directed at the very man who allegedly singlehandedly picked him and funded his campaign, were seen as ill-advised.

    That the embattled governor chose to speak him mind at every given opportunity- sometimes with blunt defiance and at other times biting sarcasms were too much a pill for egoistic Wike to swallow.

    While Fubara’s supporters cheered his courage, his critics saw recklessness and political naivety. His loyalists saw his words as those of a man fighting against bullying, oppression but his opponents believed they were rather unnecessary provocations that further inflamed tensions.

    One of his most talked-about remarks came at the height of his conflict with the River State House of Assembly, where he declared: “The worst that can happen is for me to leave the office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing?”

    Delivered with an air of finality and an “I don’t care” attitude, this statement was generally interpreted as a challenge to those plotting his removal to do their worst.

    As if that was not enough, Fubara dropped another bombshell when he said: “Our state must not be dictated to by those who no longer hold office here,” a statement that cut across as a direct rebuke of his benefactor, Wike.

    Coming from the same Fubara who had appealed to his godfather not to abandon them in Rivers, following his appointment as FCT Minister, observers saw in that thinly veiled attack, a public declaration that he would no longer govern under Wike’s shadow.

    What followed was a swift political brouhaha as the Assembly, largely controlled by Wike’s loyalists, immediately moved against him.

    Amidst the growing discord, Fubara continued to wield words like a sword. He urged lawmakers to “legislate for the people, not for personal interests,” a statement seen as a direct challenge to the assembly’s alignment with Wike.

    Their plot to impeach him suffered setback with the fire outbreak at the Assembly complex and the further temporary relocation of legislative office to the Government House which made it impossible for the lawmakers loyal to Wike to attend plenary sessions.

    He went further to declare that “the root cause of this crisis is the battle over who controls the resources of our state,” an assertion that only hardened positions rather than fostering reconciliation.

    The peace agreement

    Sensing the dangerous trajectory of the conflict, President Bola Tinubu intervened, brokering a peace deal to restore order. The agreement required Fubara to reinstate commissioners loyal to Wike and work in harmony with the Chike Amaewhule-led State Assembly. At first, he appeared to comply. But soon after, he backtracked, allegedly on the advice of some elder statesmen from the Niger Delta, who told him to assert his authority and fight on.

    This move fueled suspicions that he had no intentions to give peace a chance but would rather deploy theatrics and continue to play the victim card.

    Fubara’s response to critics questioning his reluctance to fully implement the agreement was yet another defiant remark: “I have followed the Constitution to the letter. The agreement is not a death sentence.

    Rather than quelling tensions, his words only widened the rift. The state assembly continued its push for his impeachment, his administration faced mounting resistance, and protests erupted across Rivers State.

    Consequences of loose talk

    Politics is often a game of strategy, where words must be measured and timing is everything. Fubara’s utterances, while reflective of his strong-willed personality, have arguably escalated the crisis rather than resolving it. His refusal to temper his language, even when faced with provocation, turned what could have been a manageable political disagreement into a full-blown war of attrition.

    The consequences of his statements are far-reaching. His relationship with the legislature has soured beyond repair. His government remained under siege with the Supreme Court judgment that nullified the budget he presented to the assembly loyal to him and an order that the state budget be presented before the Amaewhule-led legislature.

    The peace deal, which could have offered a path to stability was thrown in the dustbin. Faced with this reality, the governor who had also not paid these lawmakers their salaries and allowances since the crisis begun, resorted to writing them through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to come for discussions on their wages. Rather than deploy tact and diplomacy knowing he was holding the shorter end of the stick, Fubara chose defiance, while the people of the state bore the brunt of the power tussel.

    Lesson in political communication

    Fubara’s experience is a cautionary tale for leaders navigating the treacherous waters of politics. Words are powerful-they can build or destroy, unite or divide. A single sentence, spoken in the heat of political battles, can have consequences that linger long after the dust has settled.

    Had he been more circumspect and chosen his words with greater care, the crisis might not have escalated this much.  He could have asserted his authority without alienating key political figures. He could have signaled his independence without igniting open warfare. He could have negotiated from a position of strength without making enemies out of former allies.

    In politics, as in life, sometimes, it is not about what you say, but how and when you say it. Fubara’s journey serves as a stark reminder that words cannot be taken back once spoken, especially in the volatile world of Nigerian politics, where the slightest verbal misstep can set off an uncontrollable chain of events.

  • UPDATED: Fubara makes first public appearance after suspension 

    UPDATED: Fubara makes first public appearance after suspension 

    Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, made his first public appearance on Sunday following his suspension from office.

    Fubara attended a special prayer, worship, and thanksgiving service at Salvation Ministries Headquarters in GRA, Port Harcourt, quelling speculations about his whereabouts.

    The governor arrived with a modest convoy, without the usual governor’s flag or official seal. 

    He was welcomed by a senior pastor, who ushered him into the church to join the service.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed the governor’s presence, noting that Fubara was accompanied by top politicians, elders, stakeholders, and associates to express gratitude to God for His guidance and support amid ongoing political tensions.

    Those, who accompanied the Governor are Chief of Staff, Dr Edison Ehie; former Senate President Pro-Tempore and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata; former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Sam Sam Jaja; Chief Orits Onyiri; Chief Mike Elechi; and Chief David Briggs.

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    Others are Dr Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja; Amaopusenibo Fubara Hart; Chief Theodore Georgewill; Hon Kingston Sylvanus; former Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Ezebunwo Ichemati; former Ikwerre Local Government Council Chairman, Israel Abosi; former Emohua Local Government Council Chairman, Chief David Omereji; among others. 

    “The church service, a testament to his deep faith and belief in God as the ultimate dispenser of justice, was an extraordinary session of worship, prayers, and thanksgiving, to appreciate the Lord and acknowledge His never-failing gifts to humanity”, the statement said.

    The service was led by the Presiding Pastor of the church, David Ibiyeomie and featured soul-lifting songs, scriptural exhortations, and prayers for continued peace, progress, and prosperity in Rivers State.

    A special prayer session was also held for the governor shortly after the service.

  • I’ve no hands in attacks on oil installations in Rivers, says Fubara

    I’ve no hands in attacks on oil installations in Rivers, says Fubara

    Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has maintained innocence in the attacks on oil installations in the State before the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, said the Presidency was misinformed by persons saddled with the responsibilities of intelligence gathering.

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a number of allegations claiming that Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from making good their threats to attack oil installations in the State.

    “There was also another claim that after demolishing the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, the Governor did nothing to rebuild the facility.

    “Ordinarily, we would have ignored the statements as mere results of lack of adequate information to the Presidency by those tasked with the responsibility of providing same to guide decision-making, but it has become imperative to set the records straight and correct the erroneous impression such narratives are creating in the minds of the Nigerian people.

    “First, it is important to clarify that Governor Fubara has nothing to do with the threats by militants and also did not in any way ‘teleguide’ the reported attacks on any oil facility in the state”.

    The statement said the reaction of stakeholders in the Niger Delta, especially elders, chiefs, women, Ijaw National Congress, its youth wing, IYC, as well as militants, among others, was triggered by remarks of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, in a live media chat.

    “Wike’s remarks dismissed Ijaws as a minority of the minorities and powerless in the Nigerian polity, saying that Ijaws are not the only ones that are militants and can blow up pipelines; that Ogonis, Ikwerres, and others are also militants and can as well blow up pipelines.

    “Most of the Ijaw groups and leaders even demanded an apology from the FCT Minister, which he rebuffed.

    “Available public records show that Governor
    Fubara, on several occasions and at every forum, including all the project commissioning events as well as the handover of the AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force, between March 3 and 13, 2025, made it clear that his administration was committed to the peace, security, and safety of oil facilities in the State.”

    It said that Fubara was fond of recalling his pivotal role as a member of the Presidential Committee on the Protection of Oil Installations in the region, and repeatedly emphasized the need to protect oil pipelines and other facilities in the state.

    It said the suspended Rivers governor urged his supporters and the people of the state to avoid acts capable of destabilizing the state or sabotaging the nation’s economy.

    The statement added: “Since inception as the Chief Executive of Rivers State, Governor Fubara has prioritized investment in upscaling the welfare and operational equipment of all personnel and arms of the Armed Forces and security agencies in the state by building livable office and residential accommodation for officers and men and donating vehicles, gunboats, helicopters, and other critical needs of the formations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of their duties.

    Read Also: Rivers: Tinubu lauds NASS for prioritising people’s security, welfare of above partisan interests

    “His commitment to total peace and good governance in the state has contributed significantly to increased oil production and revenues for the country since May 29, 2023, as the continuous rise in the accruable revenue from the State into the Federation Account has shown over the months”.

    The statement said it was not true that governor Fubara acted with impunity to demolish the Hallowed Chambers of the State House of Assembly and did nothing to rebuild the chambers 14 months after, adding that the governor only acted acted based on professional advice and guidance.

    It said: “Let it be clarified that the former Governor and now FCT Minister repeatedly criticized the dilapidated and leaking Assembly Complex, and during the commissioning of the Assembly Quarters in August 2022, challenged the lawmakers to take responsibility for the poor state of the edifice, rejecting requests to rebuild it to ensure a conducive legislative environment for the lawmakers.

    “It must be noted that immediately after the incident of October 29, 2023, and experts’ reports, the Government decided to heed the age-old demands of the lawmakers to rebuild the facility and promptly demolished the dilapidated structure to give way to a state-of-the-art Assembly Complex, which is now nearly 80 percent completed.

    “It would be recalled that in the wake of the most peaceful and violence-free Local Government election in the State on the 5th October, 2024, the supporters of the FCT Minister violently attacked and razed facilities in some local government council secretariats without any reprisals from Governor Fubara’s supporters.

    “It is also pertinent to draw the attention of security agencies to the fact that LGAs where those attacks were unleashed are the same places that have repeatedly witnessed violence perpetrated by detractors of the Governor Fubara-led administration.

    “This is why it is important for the security agencies to focus on the real purveyors of violence, critically evaluate these incidents, and diligently undertake investigations to unravel the elements behind the crimes and bring them to justice without let or hindrance.

    “It is clearly untrue that somebody who has all the while preached peace and non-violence, even in the face of extreme provocations, would be “telegraphing attacks on oil pipelines” and breaching the peace he has worked so hard to promote and sustain for the good of the people of the State”.

  • Federal Govt indicts Fubara in bombing of oil pipeline

    Federal Govt indicts Fubara in bombing of oil pipeline

    • AGF explains why decision on emergency rule was taken

    • Situation in Rivers not same as in Borno, others in 2013

    • Suspended governor out of govt house, Ibas sworn in

    The Federal Government yesterday placed the blame for the declaration of a state of emergency firmly on the doorsteps of suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi accused Fubara of fueling the destruction of oil pipelines by suspected militants.

    He said the governor not only failed to stop the assailants, but he indirectly encouraged them.

    “There was what I would call telegraphing of the militants by the governor,” Fagbemi said.

    “He initially suggested that he would beckon on them to let them know when it was time to act.

    “Even if we assume that was just rhetoric, did he come out to disown them when they took action? The answer is no.

    “And barely a week after, we saw the vandalisation of oil pipelines,” Fagbemi said.

    During his broadcast on Tuesday night, citing security reports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said Fubara did not take any action to curtail those involved in the vandalisation of pipelines.

    The AGF spoke with reporters at the State House in Abuja 24 hours after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly for an initial six months.

    But Fubara yesterday pleaded his innocence.

    President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, as the state’s sole administrator to restore stability.

    Ibas was sworn in by the President yesterday. The National Assembly is expected to approve the declaration of emergency today.

    The emergency declaration followed Tuesday’s explosion at the critical Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) around Bodo, Gokana local government area in Ogoni land.

    Another explosion also occurred at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government.

    The AGF was referring to Fubara’s comments at the inauguration of Government Staff House Quarters on March 3.

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    The governor had said: “People should know that because no matter how we have been fooled in this state, it has gotten to a point where this state has decided to take their destiny in their hands.

    “In as much as I don’t subscribe to violence, when the time comes for us to take a decision, I will lead the cause for that decision.

    “Let me say it again, I am not scared of anything. The worst that will happen is for me to leave the office. It is not that I am leaving the earth.

    “Is it going to stop me from existing? So, I am not bothered about that. But the right thing must be done and said when the opportunity is given to us.

    “Let me thank everyone, especially our youths, be strong, don’t be perturbed. I assure you that at the right time, you will get instructions.”

    Fagbemi stressed the importance of oil infrastructure to the economy, warning that anyone involved in its destruction is not just an enemy of Rivers, but of the country.

    He defended the emergency declaration, saying it was necessary to prevent a total collapse of governance in the oil-rich state.

    He noted that the President had exhausted all diplomatic efforts before taking the extraordinary step of protecting lives and critical infrastructure.

    “I think the President has acted timeously. He has given an opportunity to all the parties involved to make amends. Before then, he assembled them, tried to mediate,” Fagbemi said.

    “The Supreme Court, that’s the highest court in the land, made a categorical pronouncement.

    “It concluded that he was acting like a despot and that, as the situation is in Rivers State, there is no governance.

    “These are very serious and very weighty allegations that only an irresponsible head of state or leader will ignore. The President took a very bold decision.

    “People were living in fear, and some were losing their lives. This is an extraordinary situation that required decisive action,” Fagbemi added.

    The AGF dismissed claims that President Tinubu’s intervention was hasty, insisting that the escalating crisis left the President with no choice.

    On whether the Rivers situation warranted a state of emergency, he said: “Since 2023, I think towards the end of 2023, things have not been going on well to the extent that the governor took the law into his hands and demolished the House of Assembly complex.

    “Since that happened, things have not been the same at all. In a community of 32, you expect that at least 15 or 16 will be there to do the job.

    “The governor constituted three or four of the members into the House of Assembly, and gave them preferential treatment, moved them to the Government House to be performing legislative functions.

    “This situation got to the court. There were about 10, 15, 16 cases, and at the end of the day, the Supreme Court came out and made very profound findings of breaches of the Constitution, mainly against the governor.

    “You see, you rise or fall on the basis of what you took to court and what decision of the court is on it.

    “The court came to the decision that the governor had long anticipated, wrongly, that he might be impeached, and because of that, he knew that the House of Assembly was a critical structure, or organ to do that, so he brought down the House of Assembly.

    “Fourteen months after that, there was no effort to rebuild the House of Assembly.

    “The government stands on the tripod – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. You have made the functioning of government impossible.

    “If there was no government in Rivers, what else are we looking for?

    “I’m so sorry for bringing in this, this issue in the Bible. They asked Jesus Christ, are You the Son of God? And he said, Yes. Then others chorused, what further evidence do we need from this man?

    “So, the stage was set. But no action was taken immediately in the expectation or hope that good sense would prevail, the governor would create an enabling environment, and that the House of Assembly too would be reasonable enough to ensure that the people of Rivers got a return for their voting of both members of the House of Assembly and the governor and other elected officials to enjoy dividends of democracy.

    “Then the third in the series is about the security situation. If he (the President) had waited maybe a day longer, only God knows what would have followed.

    “As a result of that, he came out to say: ‘I am not only the head of state. I’m Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces’. He declared a state of emergency,” he stated.

    Fagbemi pointed out that the declaration ultimately prevented Fubara from being completely removed from office.

    “So, the other one is about compromise and replacement. It appears so. Don’t forget, there was a notice of impeachment from the House of Assembly.

    “If that impeachment had been allowed to take its full course, then the governor would have lost entirely and completely.

    “So in a way, if you say it’s a compromise, I will agree that instead of allowing the impeachment process to continue, which in the end, would have seen both the governor and the deputy governor out of the office and been out for the rest of the four-year term.

    “So if normalcy returns, some other things may come in. But for now, well, maybe it’s a compromise. I will agree,” Fagbemi affirmed.

    He urged those aggrieved by the President’s decision to seek redress through the National Assembly, noting that the federal legislature has the constitutional authority to overturn the suspensions by refusing to grant the required two-thirds majority approval.

    “If the National Assembly feels what the President did was not okay, he will not have two-thirds of the National Assembly. We are expecting that within 48 hours, something will come out.

    “The ball is now in the court of the National Assembly. If they do not ratify it, the suspensions will not stand,” he said.

    Fagbemi explained that the Rivers case is different from that of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states where the elected structures were preserved despite the declaration of a state of emergency under President Goodluck Jonathan in 2013.

    According to him, the governors requested the action whereas Fubara did not urge President Tinubu to intervene.

    “Every matter depends on the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case.

    “You can declare an emergency in a variety of ways. If it was Boko Haram, they were situated or confined in particular areas and the governor then said come to my aid.

    “But the governor who is at the centre of it here has not made any such request and it would have been grossly irresponsible for the President to fold his arms.

    “So the situation in the era of Jonathan is different from what we have here. What we have here is everybody is involved.

    “You can exercise your rights but there are always lines. You don’t cross the lines because there will be consequences,” he said.

    Fagbemi absolved the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), Nyesom Wike, of responsibility.

    He insisted that the Supreme Court’s findings did not implicate the FCT Minister.

    “There are occasions when, especially when it comes to national issues, we have to come out plainly and sincerely.

    “Where do you put the Minister of FCT in this case? Was he the one who asked for the demolition of the House of Assembly?

    “Was he the one who said the governor should not present his budget to the House of Assembly?

    “Was he the one who advised the governor not to go through the House of Assembly for purposes of ratifying the commissioner nominees?

    “The FCT minister did not feature. Assuming he featured, he would have featured maybe on the side of the legislators,” Fagbemi said.

    He called for patriotism from all parties involved in the Rivers political crisis, stressing that prioritising the entity Nigeria is most crucial.

    On allocations, the Minister of Justice said it would be in order to release the funds for the smooth running of the state.

    “An extraordinary situation has arisen in River. When the administrator comes, he may request for this fund, and to me, it will be in order for the release of that fund because of the extraordinary situation,” Fagbemi added.

    Tinubu swears in Ibas

    President Tinubu swore in Vice Admiral Ibas some minutes before 3 pm.

    He pledged to prioritise peace, security, and stability in the state.

    He told reporters: “Mr. President made it very clear in his broadcast.

    “If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task.”

    The ceremony which took place in the President’s office was witnessed by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila and other aides.

    Matawalle: Emergency rule necessary

    Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, said the emergency declaration was imperative.

    In a statement by Iyogun Sunday, his director of information and public relations, Matawalle said the military was on high alert to safeguard government infrastructure and ensure the security of residents.

    The minister expressed concern over reports of vandalism and threats from militants, underscoring the need for a unified effort to restore peace and security.

    He reiterated that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and the protection of vital infrastructure in Rivers State.

    Fubara, Assembly trade blames

    Fubara and the House of Assembly traded blame over the emergency rule.

    The governor called on the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding and blamed the House of Assembly for the development.

    In a statement he personally signed, Fubara said he was addressing the people with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, describing the situation as an unfortunate moment in the state’s political history.

    Fubara affirmed his innocence saying: “Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

    “We prioritised the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

    “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

    “This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.

    “Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy.

    “These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear state.”

    Fubara blamed the situation on the House of Assembly, saying the lawmakers had frustrated his efforts and had made genuine peace and progress difficult.

    He said: “Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

    “Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

    “At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

    “We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

    “We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”

    But the House of Assembly, in a statement signed by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, accepted the declaration, blaming Fubara for bringing it on the state.

    The Speaker said the declaration was in line with the Constitution.

    While blaming the governor, the lawmakers said: “The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the governor who serially disobeyed judgments and orders of courts, failed to govern the state in line with his oath of office and the Constitution.

    “The governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions as confirmed by the courts in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly which is an arm of government from functioning.

    “As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for.

    “Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country, therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our state and nation.

    “Rest assured that we would give any kind of support required of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear State.”

    Calm as Fubara, family vacate Govt House

    It was gathered that Fubara vacated Government House early yesterday after spending the night there on Tuesday.

    Rivers has been calm since the declaration of emergency rule.

    Residents went about their normal activities.

    While some believed that President Tinubu acted in the best interest of the state, others said he had no right to sack the governor and the House of Assembly.

    There was no military deployment at the entrance of the Government House on Wednesday following the declaration of a state of emergency.

    It was also found that there were no military tanks at the gate and inside the Government House, but personnel of the Department of  State Services (DSS) were seen parading the premises.

    There were no military tanks sighted within the premises.

    Two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), which had always been there, belonging to the police, were sighted close to the entrance of the Government House.

  • NASS, judiciary urged to void suspension of Rivers’ governor, legislators

    NASS, judiciary urged to void suspension of Rivers’ governor, legislators

    The National Assembly and the Judiciary have been urged to swiftly intervene and reverse the suspension of the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and members of the state House of Assembly via a state of emergency declared on Tuesday by President Bola Tinubu.

    A group of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (NCSSR) made this request on Wednesday in Abuja while responding to the development in Rivers State.

    It faulted the president’s unilateral declaration of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officers of the state government.

    The group argued that the conditions precedent were not met before the president decided to take the decision he took, arguing that there were other measures that would have been adopted.

    It said: “The President’s reliance on Section 305 of the Constitution to justify this move is a blatant misinterpretation of the law. 

    “While a state of emergency may be declared under specific and extreme circumstances, it does not give the President the power to sack elected officials or dissolve legislative bodies.”

    The NCSSR argued that the political crisis in Rivers State did not meet the constitutional criteria for emergency rule, such as war, external aggression, or a total breakdown of law and order. 

    The group also pointed out that the Supreme Court had ruled on the matter, reinforcing the constitutional limits on executive powers.

    It called on the National Assembly to refuse to approve this illegal declaration. 

    The Senate and the House of Representatives must uphold their constitutional duty to check executive excesses and defend Nigeria’s democratic institutions. 

    “We urge lawmakers to immediately reject this unconstitutional overreach by the Presidency, thereby preventing an authoritarian drift that threatens the stability of our nation. 

    Read Also: Tinubu consulted NASS on Rivers State of Emergency, says House

    “The Constitution is very clear that what is required for this emergency declaration to pass is two-third of votes of the 360 members of the House of Representatives and the 109 votes of members of the Senate.

    “Meaning, that no less than 240 members of the House of Representatives and 72 Senators must vote in support of the declaration of the state of emergency for ir fo stand.

    “Otherwise, the declaration must fail, and the Governo/ and the State Legislators be returneg to office immediately. 

    “Furthermore, we note the special place of the Judiciary in moderating executive excesses and rascality and do urge it to assert its Independence and ensure that this assault on democracy does not stand. 

    “Democracy thrives on the respect for the rule of law, due process, and the will of the people. 

    “Any attempt to override the electoral mandate of the people of Rivers State is a direct affront to the sovereignty of the Nigerian people and must be resisted by all democratic forces,” the group said.

  • EXPLAINER: Why Tinubu suspended Fubara, deputy, lawmakers

    EXPLAINER: Why Tinubu suspended Fubara, deputy, lawmakers

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers State for an initial period of six months.

    He made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday evening, citing the need to protect lives and property amid the state’s escalating political crisis.

    “The latest security reports made available to me show that between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of pipeline vandalization by some militants without any action taken by the governor to curtail them,” Tinubu stated. 

    “I have, of course, given stern orders to security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of oil pipelines.”

    The president emphasised that the deteriorating security situation necessitated urgent intervention. 

    “No responsible leader can stand by and allow such a grave situation to continue without taking the necessary constitutional measures to restore governance, peace, and security,” he said.

    As part of the emergency measures, Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. 

    Ibas will take over from Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who, along with his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and state House of Assembly members, has been suspended for six months.

    The decision is based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the President to declare a state of emergency under certain conditions.

    According to the Constitution, “The President shall have power to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency only when:

    (a) the Federation is at war;

    (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war;

    (c) there is actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof to such extent as to require extraordinary measures to restore peace and security;

    (d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger;

    (e) there is an occurrence or imminent danger, or the occurrence of any disaster or natural calamity, affecting the community or a section of the community in the Federation;

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu meets Rivers sole administrator

    (f) there is any other public danger which clearly constitutes a threat to the existence of the Federation; or

    (g) the President receives a request to do so in accordance with the provisions of subsection (4) of this section.”

    Under Section 305 (4) & (5), the President must consult with the National Council of State and secure approval from the National Assembly before implementing emergency rule. However, if a state governor fails to act, the President can directly invoke this power.

    “(4) The Governor of a State may, with the sanction of a resolution supported by two-thirds majority of the House of Assembly, request the President to issue a Proclamation of a state of emergency in the State when there is in existence within the State any of the situations specified in subsection (3) (c), (d) and (e) of this section and such situation does not extend beyond the boundaries of the State.

    “(5) The President shall not issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in any case to which the provisions of subsection (4) of this section apply unless the Governor of the State fails within a reasonable time to make a request to the President to issue such proclamation.”

    The Constitution does not explicitly grant the President the power to “suspend” an elected governor or deputy but under Section 305, the President can take over the administration of a state during an emergency.

  • JUST IN: Fubara, family vacate Rivers Govt House amid emergency rule

    JUST IN: Fubara, family vacate Rivers Govt House amid emergency rule

    …as oil-rich state remain calm

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his family have vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt.

    Sources confirmed that Fubara left the premises on Wednesday morning after spending the night there on Tuesday.

    The state has remained calm following the declaration of emergency rule by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a move aimed at restoring order and preventing a potential breakdown of law and governance.

    A tour around Port Harcourt showed residents going about their daily activities, with many engaging in discussions about the emergency declaration. 

    While some supported Tinubu’s decision, arguing that it was in the state’s best interest, others criticized it, saying the president had no constitutional right to sack the governor and the House of Assembly.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Fubara from impeachment – Obidike

    Despite the political tension, markets remained open, and business activities continued without disruption.

    A Port Harcourt resident, identified as Christ, expressed optimism about the situation, stating that if the appointment of a sole administrator leads to the release of Rivers’ allocations, then there would be no cause for concern.

    He said: “if the appointment of a sole Administrator will lead to the release of Rivers allocations so that salaries of civil servants and local government workers will be paid, then it is a step in the right direction. 

    “If it will also stop the ongoing impeachment of the governor, I don’t have a problem with that. I was imagining what will happen if at the end of March civil servants salaries are not paid. The real problem will then start in Rivers.”

  • Fubara, Assembly trade blames over emergency rule

    Fubara, Assembly trade blames over emergency rule

    …no military deployment yet

    The Rivers State governor, Siminialayi Fubara, and the House of Assembly have traded blame over the emergency rule declared on Rivers State by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Fubara called on the people of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding following the declaration of the state of emergency and blamed the House of Assembly for the development.

    But the House of Assembly in a statement signed by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, accepted the declaration, blaming Fubara for bringing it on the state.

    Investigations, however, showed that there was no military deployment at the entrance of the Government House on Wednesday following the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    It was also found that there were no military tanks at the gate and inside the Government House, but personnel of the Department of State Security (DSS) were seen parading the premises.

    There were no military tanks sighted within the premises.

    Two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), which had always been there, belonging to the police, were sighted before the entrance and close to the entrance of Government House.

    There was also no evidence that the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd) appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take charge of the state had resumed duties.

    Sources said he would not resume until the National Assembly ratified the state of emergency declared by the President.

    The governor in a statement he signed on Wednesday, said he was addressing the people with a deep sense of responsibility and calm describing the situation as an unfortunate moment in the state’s political history.

    Fubara narrated his innocence saying, “Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

    Read Also: Tinubu saved Fubara from impeachment – Obidike

    “Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

    “This was why, immediately after Mr President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned of their own volition.

    “Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment immediately after we received the certified true copy of the judgment to return the state to normalcy. These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity, and stability in our dear State.”

    Fubara blamed the situation on the House of Assembly saying the lawmakers had frustrated his efforts and had made genuine peace and progress difficult.

    He said: ‘Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

    “Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

    “At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive. We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”

    But the House of Assembly in a statement titled, “A message to our constituents and the good people of Rivers State regarding the declaration of the state of emergency”, accepted the decision of the President.

    The statement signed by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, said the declaration was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

    While blaming the governor, the lawmakers said: ‘The condition of our dear Rivers State today is mainly because of the malfeasance of the Governor who serially disobeyed judgments and Orders of Courts, failed to govern the state in line with his Oath of office and the Constitution.

    “The Governor’s despotic and tyrannical actions as confirmed by the Courts in which he also unconstitutionally obstructed the Rivers State House of Assembly which is an arm of government from functioning”.

    “As an Assembly, we assure you all, our constituents that we would abide by this declaration even though it is not what we prayed for. Mr. President has acted in the best interest of the country therefore, we call on you all to remain calm as the Sole Administrator appointed by the President assumes his duty in the best interest of our State and Nation.

    “Rest, assured that we would give any kind of support required of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Sole Administrator in the best interest of our dear State.”

    The speaker called on the people to give the sole Administrator the needed support to stir the ship of the state during the period of emergency.

  • Fubara, Amaewhule gone with Tinubu’s emergency declaration

    Fubara, Amaewhule gone with Tinubu’s emergency declaration

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wielded the big stick to restore order yesterday in beleaguered Rivers State.

    Swept away by the declaration of a state of emergency are the major actors in the intractable crisis – Governor Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Nma Odu and the House of Assembly members led by Speaker Martins Chike Amaewhule.

    They were suspended “for an initial period of six months”.

    To run the state from last night is Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff.

    The President announced this decision during a broadcast after a marathon meeting with his security chiefs and heads of the Federal legislature.

    The action followed the explosion at a pipeline in the wee hours of yesterday.

    It is the pipeline taking crude to the Bonny oil export terminal in Rivers State.

    The Presidential action is hinged on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers him to intervene in cases where governance is threatened.

    “Having soberly reflected on and evaluated the political situation in Rivers State, and with the Governor and Deputy Governor failing to request a proclamation as required by the Constitution, it has become inevitably compelling for me to invoke Section 305 of the Constitution,” the President said.

    The President emphasised that the action was taken to ensure stability and restore effective governance in the state.

    “By this declaration, the governor, his deputy, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for an initial period of six months,” he added.

    Read Also; ​TIMELINE of Wike-Fubara fight, Rivers political crisis since 2023

    The face-off between Fubara and the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, worsened after the Supreme Court judgment.

    The crisis assumed an ethnic and violent dimension as unidentified persons, who claimed to be backing the governor, threatened to inflict havoc on the nation’s oil facilities.

    Yesterday, an explosion at the critical Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) around Bodo, Gokana local government area, jolted the people that it was not an empty threat.

    Also, in less than 24 hours, there was another explosion at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of the Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni local government.

    Shortly before the declaration of emergency rule, President Tinubu presided over an emergency security meeting at Aso Villa, Abuja, to review the security situation in Rivers.

    At the meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

    Others were the Director-General of the Department of State Service Tosin Ajayi, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Mohammed Mohammed and the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

    Also at the meeting were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy Benjamin Kalu.

    President Tinubu said no democratic leader would turn his face off the grave security situation in Rivers.

    He said: “I feel greatly disturbed at the turn we have come to regarding the political crisis in Rivers State.

    “The state has been at a standstill since the crisis started, depriving its people of the dividends of democracy.”

    Citing constitutional breaches and security concerns, President Tinubu alluded to the destruction of the House of Assembly complex in December 2023 and the governor’s failure to rebuild it 14 months later.

    He also alluded to the Supreme Court judgment that condemned the absence of a functioning legislature in the state, warning that “a government cannot be said to exist without one of the three arms that make up the government of a state”.

    The President highlighted fresh security threats, including the pipeline vandalism by militants.

    He said: “Between yesterday and today, there have been disturbing incidents of vandalisation of pipelines by some militants without the governor taking any action to curtail them.

    “I have given stern orders to security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and oil infrastructure in Rivers State.”

    President Tinubu said Vice Admiral Ibas will administer the state for the initial six-month period.

    He said: “I hereby nominate Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd) as Administrator to take charge of the affairs of the state in the interest of the good people of Rivers State,” he announced.

    The President clarified that while the legislative and executive arms of government have been suspended, the judiciary will continue to function normally.

    He stressed: “For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate.”

    The president said the administrator will not be permitted to make new laws, adding that he will be authorised to introduce necessary regulations with approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    President Tinubu expressed disappointment that despite multiple interventions by him, national leaders, and other well-meaning Nigerians, the crisis persisted.

    He said: “No good and responsible President will stand by and allow this grave situation to continue without taking remedial steps.”

    The President added that the emergency declaration had been published in the Federal Gazette and forwarded to the National Assembly in line with constitutional requirements.

    He expressed hope that this intervention would serve as a wake-up call for political players in Rivers and across Nigeria.

    He added: “It is my fervent hope that this inevitable intervention will help restore peace and order in Rivers State.”