Siminalayi Fubara, the ousted governor of Rivers State, has publicly declared his lack of interest in reclaiming his former position. Speaking at a memorial service in Port Harcourt for the late Edwin Clark, a prominent elder and leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Fubara questioned the audience, “Do you think I’m interested in going back there?” He further emphasized, “If I had my way, I would say this is it. This is the will of God. I don’t wish to go back there. My spirit has left that place.”
Calls for Peace Amid Political Crisis
Despite members of the Rivers Elders Forum referring to him as “governor” and criticizing his removal, Fubara distanced himself from these remarks, labeling them as personal opinions not reflective of his stance. He expressed concern over the escalating political conflict, urging supporters to focus on honoring Clark’s memory rather than politicizing the event. Fubara also highlighted that some of his supporters have exacerbated the political tension through their actions, calling for a collective effort to restore peace in Rivers State.
Background: The Political Dispute
The political unrest in Rivers State traces back to late 2023 when Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, engaged in a significant political dispute. In an attempt to mediate, President Bola Tinubu facilitated a peace agreement between the two politicians in December 2024.
Federal Intervention and State of Emergency
However, the situation escalated, leading President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025. This decision resulted in the suspension of Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for an initial period of six months. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Retired) was appointed as the administrator to oversee the state’s affairs during this period. The federal government cited the prolonged political crisis and governance paralysis as reasons for this intervention.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
In response to the federal government’s actions, eleven governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) approached the Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the state of emergency declaration. Conversely, the National Assembly defended the president’s decision, urging the court to dismiss the case and labeling it as legally flawed. They also sought a ₦1 billion fine against the PDP governors for what they termed a frivolous lawsuit.
Economic Implications
The political instability in Rivers State has had significant economic repercussions. The region, being oil-rich, witnessed a series of unexplained fires and explosions at oil and gas pipelines, notably the Trans Niger Pipeline. These incidents have threatened Nigeria’s oil production, which is vital for the country’s economy. President Tinubu linked these attacks to the political instability in Rivers, emphasizing the need for federal intervention to safeguard national interests.
Conclusion
Fubara’s recent statements indicate a desire to move beyond the political fray, emphasizing peace and stability over personal political ambitions. As Rivers State navigates this challenging period, the focus remains on restoring governance and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
