- The Supreme Court nullified Fubara’s local government election, ordering him to submit the 2025 budget to Wike’s loyal lawmakers.
- Pro-Wike legislators launched impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, intensifying the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.
Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, has called President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state an unfortunate decision.
On March 18, Tinubu imposed emergency rule in the oil-rich region. He also suspended the governor, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly “for an initial period of six months.”
The president defended his decision by citing “latest security reports” and “disturbing incidents of vandalization of pipelines by some militant without the governor taking any action to curtail them.”
Rivers State has been in a political crisis since Fubara’s fallout with Nyesom Wike, his predecessor, who now serves as minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).
This conflict led to a division within the Rivers State House of Assembly. The Supreme Court overturned the local government election conducted by Fubara and directed him to submit the 2025 budget to a legislative faction loyal to Wike.
On Monday, lawmakers supporting Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
Addressing the people of Rivers, Fubara stated that he made efforts to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the political standoff.
“I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history,” he said.
“Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.
“We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.
“Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.
“This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.
“Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.
“These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.”
Fubara alleged that lawmakers aligned with Wike in the Rivers Assembly blocked his efforts to restore stability and peace in the state. He reassured the people that Rivers would endure and prevail.
“Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult,” Fubara said.
“Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.
“Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.
“At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.
“We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.”
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