The political crisis in Rivers State has deepened as concerns grow over the whereabouts of Governor Siminalayi Fubara following the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has raised alarm, stating that they have not heard from the Governor since the federal government took control of the state, and they fear for his safety.
Governor Fubara’s Disappearance: What We Know So Far
The federal government declared a state of emergency in Rivers State after months of political tension between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s House of Assembly. Following the announcement, the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the entire legislative assembly were suspended, and military forces reportedly took over the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Since then, Governor Fubara has not been seen or heard from. There has been no official confirmation of his location, leading to speculation and concerns over whether he is under detention, in hiding, or worse.
Eyewitness reports suggest that military trucks were seen moving into the Rivers State Government House on the night of the emergency declaration. However, neither the federal government nor the military has provided any updates on Governor Fubara’s status.
Rivers Elders Demand Answers
The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum has expressed deep concern over the Governor’s disappearance, describing the situation as a grave threat to democracy. In a statement released on March 20, 2025, they said:
“We are deeply troubled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has not been seen or heard from since the federal government’s illegal suspension of his administration. We demand immediate clarification on his whereabouts. Rivers State must not be governed in secrecy.”
The Elders have called on the federal government, security agencies, and international organizations to intervene and ensure that Governor Fubara is safe. They also insist that the state of emergency is unconstitutional and demand that democracy be restored immediately.
Political Reactions: PDP, Legal Experts Condemn Federal Actions
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which Governor Fubara belongs to, has strongly condemned the state of emergency and his removal from office. The party insists that Fubara remains the legitimate Governor of Rivers State, and they have vowed to challenge the federal government’s actions in court.
A statement from the PDP National Secretariat read:
“The illegal suspension of Governor Fubara and the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a direct assault on democracy. We demand his immediate reinstatement and full accountability for his whereabouts.”
Legal experts have also weighed in, with some arguing that the federal government had no constitutional grounds to suspend an elected Governor and appoint a Sole Administrator.
Public Outcry and Protests
The uncertainty surrounding Governor Fubara’s safety has led to public demonstrations in Rivers State. Supporters of the Governor have taken to the streets, demanding his immediate release if he is in detention. Protesters in Port Harcourt have carried placards with messages such as:
- “Where is our Governor?”
- “Democracy is under attack!”
- “No to military rule in Rivers State!”
Tensions are rising, and political analysts warn that if the federal government does not address the situation soon, Rivers State could face serious unrest.
What Happens Next?
As pressure mounts, the federal government has yet to release an official statement on Governor Fubara’s status. However, legal experts and political observers predict that this crisis will end up in the courts, where the constitutionality of the state of emergency and the Governor’s removal will be challenged.
Meanwhile, Rivers State residents remain in the dark, anxiously waiting for answers about their elected leader. The question remains: Where is Governor Sim Fubara, and what really happened to him?
The coming days will be critical in determining the future of democracy in Rivers State.
