Sir Siminalayi Fubara was relatively unknown in Rivers State politics before the 2023 elections.
A finance expert, he was handpicked by then-Governor Nyesom Wike as the PDP governorship candidate.
According to Report, Wike controlled Fubara’s campaign, funding every aspect, and Fubara barely participated.
After Fubara’s victory, cracks emerged in August 2023.
The main contention was the distribution of political appointments, with Wike insisting on controlling the cabinet.
Of the initial 15 commissioners, Wike nominated 14, leaving Fubara with just one.
The tension escalated when Fubara forwarded two nominees to the House of Assembly without Wike’s approval.
By October 2023, the situation worsened. Intelligence reports suggested an impeachment move against Fubara.
In response, he ordered the demolition of the Rivers Assembly complex, claiming structural defects.
The crisis deepened when 27 pro-Wike lawmakers defected to the APC, effectively paralyzing the Assembly.
Meanwhile, Fubara aligned himself with Wike’s political adversaries, particularly Atiku Abubakar’s camp.
To solidify his power, Fubara organized local government elections in October 2024 through the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).
However, PDP candidates were barred, forcing Fubara’s allies to join the Action People’s Party (APP), which swept all 23 LGAs.
Legal battles ensued, with state courts favoring Fubara and federal courts favoring Wike.
The Supreme Court intervened in February 2025, ruling against Fubara, halting state funds, and ordering him to re-present the budget.
This emboldened pro-Wike lawmakers, who issued ultimatums and initiated impeachment proceedings.
The final blow came on March 18, 2025, when President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the Assembly.
This temporarily halted the political turmoil in Rivers State.
