Fresh crisis in Rivers State threatens early return of suspended Governor, Fubara
Fresh crisis in Rivers State threatens early return of suspended Governor, Fubara
Political tensions are once again flaring in Rivers State, casting doubt on the early return of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, despite the six-month state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18.
Hopes had been high that Tinubu might announce Fubara’s reinstatement during his upcoming Democracy Day address on May 29, but recent developments have dampened that optimism.
The latest trigger came on Friday during a women’s empowerment programme in Port Harcourt, organized by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The event, meant to support 500 women, descended into chaos when participants abruptly walked out in protest.
Their grievance was aimed at Dr. Theresa Ibas, wife of the state’s Sole Administrator, who represented the First Lady at the event.
The incident quickly gained national attention and drew sharp condemnation from Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who is currently on an official visit to China.
Calling the protest “an insult,” Wike said: “Disrespecting anyone standing in for the First Lady is a direct insult to the Office of the President. As a Rivers leader, I tender my apology.”
But Wike’s reaction triggered backlash from Rivers women and Niger Delta stakeholders who accused him of politicizing the event and misrepresenting the women’s intentions.
Human rights advocate and Ijaw Republican Assembly spokesperson, Annkio Briggs, rejected attempts to blame Fubara.
“Pointing fingers at Governor Fubara is like giving a dog a bad name to hang it,” she said.
Briggs explained that the women, under the group “Rivers Women Unite for Sim (RWUS),” had prepared earnestly for the First Lady’s visit—mobilizing across all 23 LGAs, printing shirts and banners with images of Mrs. Tinubu and Mrs. Fubara, and even preparing a gift.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), also defended the women.
“Their shirts bore the names of both the First Lady and Governor Fubara. If they intended to be disrespectful, would they do that?” he asked.
Despite the backlash, Wike doubled down. In a statement through his media aide Lere Olayinka, he accused unnamed individuals of sabotaging peace efforts.
“You cannot claim to want peace while funding acts that insult the President and his wife,” he said, alluding to Fubara’s recent peace missions to Tinubu in London and to Wike in Abuja.
He added: “These antics won’t bring peace. Those genuinely seeking peace must act accordingly. I and my supporters condemn the disgraceful scene and apologize to the First Lady.”
In response, the protesting women issued a statement distancing their actions from Governor Fubara.
“The Governor had no hand in our protest. We are not puppets. Seeking peace does not mean Rivers people should accept manipulation,” they said.
They also emphasized their respect for the First Lady and President Tinubu.
“Wike’s narrative is yet another attempt to blackmail Rivers people. Political power is fleeting, and history will ultimately judge all actors.”
As tensions escalate, the fragile peace deal between Fubara and Wike appears to have collapsed. With political hostilities reigniting, Fubara’s return to Government House seems increasingly unlikely, and Rivers State faces another uncertain chapter in its political saga.
