Governor Fubara Speaks on Tinubu Emergency rule in Rivers State
In a surprising twist to the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention — and notably, his suspension.
Speaking at a well-attended gathering of his supporters under the Simplified Movement, held at the group’s secretariat in Port Harcourt on May 29, Fubara praised President Tinubu for stepping in at a critical juncture to restore calm and order in the politically volatile state.
Suspension as a “Stabilizing Effort”
Governor Fubara, who along with his deputy Dr. Ngozi Odu and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was suspended for six months by the President, described the intervention as “timely and stabilizing.”
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“Without the President’s wise and fatherly mediation, the political crisis could have escalated beyond control,” Fubara told his supporters.
He emphasized that the President’s decision to suspend the top political figures was a strategic move aimed at de-escalating tensions and protecting the integrity of democratic governance in Rivers State.
A Call for Gratitude
The suspended governor urged his supporters and all well-meaning Rivers people to show appreciation to President Tinubu for his role in halting what many feared could become a full-blown constitutional crisis.
“We should thank Mr. President for ensuring that both I and my deputy are still in office. Things could have gone a different way,” Fubara remarked.
Plea for Peace and Reconciliation
Governor Fubara also used the occasion to reach out to aggrieved parties, asking for forgiveness from those who may have been disappointed by his approach during the political standoff.
“If I have offended anyone in the course of this crisis, I seek your understanding. My actions were guided by the need to safeguard peace and development in Rivers State.”
He emphasized the need for sustainable peace and reconciliation, especially with his political benefactor and predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is currently serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my oga,” Fubara stated, signaling his willingness to mend fences with Wike.
Reconciliation in Progress
Fubara disclosed that several reconciliatory meetings had already taken place following the President’s intervention — including private discussions at Wike’s residence.
“We have been meeting, even at his home. These are steps towards reconciliation that the public may not immediately see, but they are happening,” he said.
The statement indicates ongoing efforts behind the scenes to heal political divisions and stabilize governance in the oil-rich state.
Disappointment Over Halted Projects
Reflecting on the symbolic nature of May 29 — a day that traditionally marks the celebration of democratic milestones in Nigeria — Fubara lamented the inability to commission any new projects due to the political impasse.
“It saddens me that on such an important day, we couldn’t roll out new projects for our people. But I remain hopeful and grateful for the unwavering support of our people,” he said.
Background to the Crisis
The crisis in Rivers State had dragged on for months, rooted in power tussles between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, a powerful political figure and former governor of the state. The rift culminated in parallel legislative sittings, attempted impeachments, mass resignations, and protests.
In response, President Bola Tinubu invoked presidential authority to suspend the warring parties — including the governor, his deputy, and state lawmakers — in a dramatic but calculated move to reset the political landscape and avoid further deterioration of state affairs.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political observers have described Tinubu’s suspension of elected officials as “unorthodox but effective,” arguing that it created a necessary pause that gave room for dialogue and reconciliation.
Some critics, however, have questioned the constitutional basis of such suspensions, calling for more clarity on the President’s powers in state-level political disputes.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the suspension, Fubara’s latest remarks signal a strong willingness to cooperate with national authorities and key political actors for the sake of peace.
Supporters of the governor have vowed to continue backing him, describing him as a leader who has chosen dialogue over confrontation.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the Rivers State political crisis remains fluid, but with fresh moves toward reconciliation and the continued mediation of President Tinubu, stakeholders are optimistic that normalcy may soon return.
