(DDM) – Some elders in Rivers State have downplayed the imminent return of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, as the six-month state of emergency nears its end.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the elders argued the prolonged suspension has subdued Fubara and shifted political momentum toward his political godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike.
Naija News reports that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 16, 2025, citing rising political tensions and suspected militant attacks on oil pipelines.
The emergency led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his Deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and the state House of Assembly. President Tinubu appointed former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the State Administrator.
Speaking to Punch, Sunny Chukumele, a member of the Rivers State Elders Council and convener of the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought, said the events of the last six months had “captured” the state.
Chukumele stressed that Wike had effectively taken control during Fubara’s absence but added that the people would ultimately determine the state’s future.
He accused President Tinubu of sacrificing Rivers State for his 2027 political ambitions, noting that Fubara had been subdued in the name of peace.
“The state is divided into two, Nyesome Wike and Rivers State,” Chukumele said.
He added that the so-called peace imposed by the emergency rule was fragile and left Rivers people feeling helpless and abandoned.
“The new political class has taken over. The President has sacrificed Rivers people for his interest in 2027. The people must now decide who to follow,” he said.
Similarly, Asukewe Iko-Awaji, a member of the Rivers Elders Forum, said Fubara’s six-month absence had eroded his political strength and stalled ongoing state projects.
Iko-Awaji noted that some companies operating in the state had withdrawn and that restoring them would take additional months.
He warned that cordial relationships among state leaders would take time to rebuild due to lingering suspicions.
“Before the emergency, a lot of projects were ongoing. When Ibas arrived, he abandoned some projects, and companies pulled out. Rebuilding will take time,” Iko-Awaji said.
Conversely, Olaka Wogu, a strong ally of the FCT Minister, argued that Fubara’s return may not dramatically alter the state’s political landscape.
Wogu said the people of Rivers State would ultimately shape the governor’s next moves despite efforts by President Tinubu to mediate peace between Fubara and Wike.
He defended Wike’s role, describing the minister as straightforward and honest in his political dealings.
“Sometimes people over-speculate on Wike. He puts things in plain sight, but people don’t listen. He fought for his structure and maintained it. The governor is part of that structure,” Wogu said.
Post Views: 38
