Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, the state has witnessed a period of relative calm.
However, the political undercurrents remain tense, especially with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Ordu, and the entire state legislative assembly — a development seen as the biggest setback for Rivers State’s economy and governance.
For nearly two months, Governor Fubara has been stripped of the symbols and power of his office, leaving the state adrift in political uncertainty.
In a dramatic turn of events, Fubara has taken steps towards reconciliation with his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who was instrumental in his emergence as governor.
On April 18, Fubara reportedly visited Wike’s Abuja residence to ask for forgiveness — a move seen as significant not only for its symbolism but also for its strategic implications.
The governor made this visit in the company of Yoruba political heavyweights, such as Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Segun Osoba, bypassing elders from Rivers State.
This choice is believed to reflect Fubara’s mistrust in the local political elders, many of whom had long-standing issues with Wike over the 2023 PDP presidential primaries and the fallout that followed.
Wike, who was bypassed for the PDP vice-presidential ticket in favor of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa — now an APC member — had thrown his weight behind Bola Tinubu, leading to a schism with PDP loyalists in Rivers.
While he championed Fubara’s candidacy, many PDP elders including Prince Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, and others opposed Fubara’s governorship. These elders later became a formidable bloc supporting Fubara against Wike after the 2023 elections.
The root of the current crisis stems from this political fracture, exacerbated by disagreements over the implementation of an 8-point peace deal initiated by President Tinubu.
The suspended governor’s newfound resolve to seek peace, however, suggests a readiness to walk the path of reconciliation — even if it means standing alone.
Observers say Wike holds significant influence — with financial resources, strategic connections, and presidential support — and that challenging him without support would be politically perilous.
Fubara, apparently recognizing this, chose the path of remorse, meeting not only with Wike but also with President Tinubu in a closed-door meeting in Europe.
Though details of that meeting remain confidential, sources suggest it may pave the way for a deal favorable to Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and Fubara’s return to power.
Now, eyes are on May 29 — Nigeria’s Democracy Day — as speculation grows over Fubara’s potential reinstatement.
Former lawmaker Prince Ogbonna Nwuke and prominent Ijaw leaders like Ann Kio Briggs and Prof. Benjamin Okaba have all urged President Tinubu to use the symbolic date to restore democratic order in Rivers.
“It will bring a lot of succor to the people of the state who have suffered as a result of the crisis in the past two years,” Briggs said.
Others, like Dr. Joseph Ambakederimo of the South-South Reawakening Group, see Fubara’s remorse as sufficient grounds for his reinstatement, describing him as “a man of peace.”
Yet, questions loom over what a reinstated Fubara administration would look like. Will he become a ceremonial figure controlled from Abuja? What role will Wike play in the reshaped power dynamics of the state? Will the Rivers elders who stood by him be marginalized?
Insiders hint at a political power-sharing arrangement, including a commissioner appointment formula favoring the Abuja bloc, and a restructured Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission that could sway the upcoming August 9 local government polls.
As Democracy Day approaches, Rivers people and political observers nationwide wait anxiously to see whether the suspended governor will make a dramatic return to power — and at what cost.
Tags
local