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My Opponents Planning To Destroy Rivers – Fubara | Citizen NewsNG

Citizen NewsNG April 1, 2025 4 min read

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Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged his supporters to remain patient and avoid any actions that could destabilise the state amid his ongoing political challenges.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Fubara acknowledged the frustrations surrounding his situation but emphasized the need for restraint and faith.

“We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation, maybe because of what we are seeing, but we might not understand what is deeper that is beyond us that has happened,” he said.

“But in everything, we have decided to give glory to the Almighty God. So in this season of sharing, of love, of sacrifice, I want you people to understand and know that it’s your period of festival. I also strongly believe that we shall come out stronger.”

He cautioned the people of the state against being misled into violence, stating, “Don’t allow anybody to push you into any form of provocation.”

“Because what they want is to destroy the state. What they want is to create a problem, to deny you the means of livelihood that you have here,” he said.

Fubara reassured that his administration would remain committed to peace and order.

“We will not allow it. We will continue to operate in a peaceful manner,” he said.

“We will continue to respect every constitutional authority to ensure that this state remains the envy of every other state in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, a delegation of Muslim women in the state visited Fubara to show their support.

“On behalf of the entire Muslim women in the state, we are here to tell you thank you. And we are here to say we are and we remain behind you,” one of them said.

They emphasised his legitimacy as governor, saying, “Not just because you are seen, but because you are governor. You are duly mandated to govern the state. And nobody can convince us that you should not be given a chance to govern the state the way others have done.”

The women further prayed for his leadership to continue without interference.

One of them said, “If they are able to leave you alone to do your tenure, you complete it. And next one, if they say no, don’t come back for whatever reason, I say okay.

“But now that you are here, you must be given the opportunity to rule the state. And you are doing it well and we pray that Allah will return you to complete your job.”

Background

The political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, began as a fallout between a former political godfather and his chosen successor.

Fubara, who was elected governor in March 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was widely regarded as Wike’s handpicked candidate. As a former Accountant-General of Rivers State under Wike’s administration, Fubara was expected to continue Wike’s political structure in the state. However, tensions soon arose between the two leaders over control of the government and key political decisions.

Early Signs of the Rift

Barely months into office, Fubara began asserting his independence, making decisions that reportedly sidelined Wike’s loyalists. By October 2023, the disagreement had escalated, with a series of dramatic events shaking the state’s political landscape.

The Rivers State House of Assembly, dominated by Wike’s allies, attempted to initiate impeachment proceedings against Fubara, accusing him of misconduct.

In November 2023, a bomb explosion rocked the Rivers Assembly Complex amid efforts to remove the governor. Fubara’s supporters claimed the attack was orchestrated to intimidate him.

The governor survived the impeachment threat after an intervention from President Bola Tinubu, who brokered a political settlement between him and Wike.

Despite the temporary truce, the conflict continued, with Fubara gradually removing Wike’s allies from key positions in the government. Wike, who had since become the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in President Tinubu’s cabinet, continued to wield influence over the state’s politics.

Suspension of Governor Fubara

The battle for supremacy took another turn in early 2024 when the Rivers House of Assembly, still dominated by Wike loyalists, intensified its moves against Fubara.

In March 2024, a faction of the House passed a resolution suspending Governor Fubara for six months, citing alleged constitutional violations and abuse of office.

Fubara’s supporters dismissed the suspension as illegal and politically motivated, arguing that a sitting governor cannot be removed through a mere House resolution.

In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending the governor, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for a period of six months.

Tinubu claimed the action was taken in response to escalating political unrest and a series of pipeline explosions that threatened the state’s stability and Nigeria’s vital oil production.

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