Fubara Breaks Silence: “My Spirit Has Left Office” Amid Rivers State Political Crisis

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has openly declared he is not eager to return to office, nearly two months after President Bola Tinubu imposed a state of emergency and suspended the state’s elected leaders. Fubara made this statement during a service of songs in Port Harcourt to honor the late elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark.

Addressing the audience, Fubara said;

“If I had my way, I wouldn’t want to return. My spirit has left that place. This is the will of God.”

This event marked Fubara’s first major public remarks since his suspension. He acknowledged the support he had received from many people, including the late Chief Clark, and emphasized the importance of standing by those who have made sacrifices for him. However, Fubara cautioned that the solemn occasion should not be turned into a political rally, warning that some comments risked worsening tensions in the state.

The Rivers Elders Forum, present at the event, described Fubara as the rightful governor and criticized his suspension. But Fubara distanced himself from their remarks, urging everyone to focus on honoring Clark’s legacy rather than escalating the political crisis.

Background to the Crisis

The political turmoil in Rivers State began shortly after Fubara took office in 2023. Once considered a protégé of former governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Fubara’s relationship with Wike quickly soured over issues of political appointments and control of the state’s political structure. The rift deepened as Fubara was seen aligning with Wike’s rivals, leading to a divided cabinet and House of Assembly. Tensions escalated further when the State Assembly was set on fire, allegedly by Fubara’s supporters, to prevent his impeachment.

By March 2025, the crisis had reached a breaking point. President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, citing a total collapse of governance, threats to vital oil and gas infrastructure, and rising violence in the state.

In his national address, Tinubu stated;

“The crisis in Rivers State was at a perilous tipping point, threatening the security of vital oil and gas installations and undermining the national economy… This emergency measure is a lifeline to safeguard livelihoods, secure critical infrastructure, and restore democratic accountability”.

Tinubu suspended Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs. The National Assembly swiftly endorsed the move and set up committees to monitor the administration and mediate the conflict.

Legal and Political Fallout

The suspension and imposition of federal rule have sparked widespread legal and political battles. Eleven governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a suit at the Supreme Court, arguing that Tinubu’s actions were unconstitutional and exceeded his powers. The Federal Government, however, insists the intervention was necessary, citing militant threats, attacks on oil facilities, and a paralyzed state government as justification for the emergency rule.

The legal challenge is ongoing, with the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt adjourning the suit until May 26, 2025, to allow the new administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, time to prepare his defense. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has called for the suit to be dismissed and asked the court to fine the PDP governors for what it described as a “frivolous and speculative” case.

Reactions to Fubara’s Statement

Fubara’s recent remarks that his “spirit has left the Government House” have drawn criticism from some political groups. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) accused Fubara of betraying the collective struggle against what they call “authoritarian overreach” by the federal government.

In a statement, CUPP said;

“This struggle was never about you or your spirit. It was about defending the Constitution and the mandate of Rivers’ people who elected you in 2023… Your reluctance to return, even if reinstated, disrespects the sacrifices of Nigerians who challenged Tinubu’s actions from the streets to the courts”.

The group urged Fubara to recommit to his constitutional mandate and stand firm against the emergency rule, warning that his stance could legitimize further erosion of democratic governance in Nigeria.

What Happens Next?

As Rivers State remains under federal control, with its judiciary still functioning but all political offices suspended, the outcome of the legal battle at the Supreme Court will determine the future of governance in the state. Protests and counter-protests continue, with supporters of both Fubara and Wike demanding different outcomes. The six-month emergency rule is set to be reviewed later in the year, but uncertainty hangs over whether Fubara or any of the suspended officials will return to office.

For now, Fubara’s public disengagement signals a deepening uncertainty in Rivers politics, as the state awaits the court’s decision and possible political resolution.

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