Renewed Tensions Threaten Governor Fubara’s Early Return Amid State of Emergency
The fragile peace accord between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Barr. Nyesom Wike, former Rivers State governor and current FCT Minister, has reportedly collapsed, plunging the state into fresh political turmoil. The latest crisis raises serious doubts about any potential early reinstatement of Governor Fubara before the six-month duration of the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
Democracy Day Hope Dims as Political Unrest Builds
While there were growing speculations that President Tinubu might announce Fubara’s return to office during his upcoming Democracy Day address on May 29, the escalating tension suggests that such a development is increasingly unlikely.
Trouble began during an empowerment programme for 500 women in Rivers State, spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady. The event, held in Port Harcourt, descended into chaos after the beneficiaries, displeased with the proceedings, staged a walkout on Dr. Theresa Ibas, the representative of the First Lady and wife of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (Rtd), the Sole Administrator of the state.
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Wike Reacts from China: “It’s an Insult to the Presidency”
Reacting from China, where he is on an official visit, Minister Nyesom Wike labeled the protest a direct affront to the Office of the President.
“An insult to anyone representing the First Lady of Nigeria is a direct insult on the Office of the President and Commander-in-Chief,” Wike stated. “As a leader in Rivers State, I apologize.”
However, his comments were met with backlash from women groups and Niger Delta stakeholders, who believe the incident has been politically manipulated to discredit Governor Fubara.
Ijaw Leaders Defend Women’s Action
Prominent activist and spokesperson of the Ijaw Republican Assembly, Annkio Briggs, condemned efforts to tie the walkout to Fubara.
“Blaming Governor Fubara is like giving a dog a bad name to hang it. These women were excited about the First Lady’s visit,” Briggs said.
She added that the women, under the banner Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS), mobilized from all 23 LGAs, printing T-shirts and banners featuring both Mrs. Tinubu and Mrs. Fubara, and even prepared gifts for the First Lady.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), echoed the sentiment:
“Their vests bore both names—Mrs. Tinubu and Governor Fubara. Why would they do that if they intended to be disrespectful?”
Accusations and Counter-Statements Fuel the Fire
In a statement through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, Wike accused certain individuals of sabotaging peace efforts by sponsoring actions to insult the presidency.
“These shenanigans won’t bring peace. I and my supporters condemn that shameful act and apologize to the First Lady,” he declared.
The protesting women responded strongly:
“Governor Fubara had no involvement. We are organic supporters, not puppets. Wike is using this to blackmail Rivers people. Political power is temporary—history will judge.”
Outlook: Uncertain Future for Rivers Leadership
This renewed political clash marks a definitive breakdown of the Fubara-Wike peace accord, further destabilizing Rivers politics. As the state navigates through a declared state of emergency, the prospects of Governor Fubara’s early return to office grow increasingly dim, signaling a volatile path ahead for one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.
