Embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on Nigerians, especially the people of Rivers State and his supporters, to express gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the political crisis that recently shook the state.
Speaking on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at a stakeholders’ meeting with members of the “Simplified Movement” in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara acknowledged the president’s role in brokering peace and described Tinubu’s action as “timely and wise.”
“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time. He is the one you should thank,” Fubara said. “Let me also thank him personally for his intervention and also appreciate leaders across the country who persuaded him to step in.”
Fubara, who was suspended following a declaration of a state of emergency in the state, expressed confidence that all executive and legislative functions disrupted by the crisis would soon be fully restored. He reassured his supporters that both arms of government were already working together again in the interest of the people.
He urged the public to embrace the peace deal brokered by the presidency and pledged that democratic governance would return stronger than before.
Fubara also extended what appeared to be a conciliatory gesture to President Tinubu, asking the people of Rivers to offer him an unreserved apology for any misunderstandings, while urging continued support for the reconciliation process.
Background to the Crisis
The political turmoil in Rivers began less than six months into Fubara’s tenure, following a fallout with his political godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The tension culminated in President Tinubu appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as a sole administrator for the state — a move that drew criticism from constitutional experts and opposition leaders, who described the action as unconstitutional and called for Fubara’s immediate reinstatement.
Despite the controversy, the presidency defended the move as being in the national interest, aimed at preventing a further breakdown of governance in the oil-rich state.
Wike Signals Possible Reconciliation
In a related development, Nyesom Wike has recently indicated that there may be a thaw in relations between him and Governor Fubara. The FCT Minister described Fubara as his “political son” and insisted there was no enmity between them.
The statements from both camps signal a possible end to the protracted power struggle, paving the way for political stability and renewed governance in Rivers State.
