Fubara Return Rivers State Delayed Amid Power Struggle with Wike
Fubara return Rivers State remains uncertain as the six-month emergency rule in Rivers State has formally ended, restoring civilian governance. Yet, instead of relief, the state remains in suspense as Governor Siminalayi Fubara reinstated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive has yet to resume public duties.
His absence on Thursday, the first full day after the lifting of emergency rule, has deepened questions about whether Rivers has truly reclaimed self-rule or is still trapped between rival power centres.
Supporters Wait in Vain for Fubara’s Return to Rivers State
By Thursday morning, jubilant crowds gathered at the gates of Government House, Port Harcourt. Dressed in party colours and waving flags, they sang and danced, celebrating what they believed was the dawn of renewed democracy.
But the mood shifted by afternoon. Governor Fubara never appeared, and by 2 p.m. many supporters left in frustration.
“We have waited and waited. Why won’t he come out to address us?” one supporter asked rhetorically, reflecting the disappointment of the crowd.
Rivers Assembly Demands Action After Fubara Return Rivers State Delay
Sources close to the matter revealed that the governor’s absence was not due to logistics but ongoing negotiations in Abuja. At the centre of the deadlock is a dispute over cabinet positions.
Former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is reportedly insisting on control of key offices, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and a majority of commissioners.
“Had they concluded talks earlier, Fubara would have returned,” a source involved in the Abuja discussions disclosed.
Despite public denials, analysts say Wike’s influence over the state’s political machinery remains strong, raising fears that Fubara’s independence as governor is under pressure.
Wike Denies Interference Amid Growing Criticism
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike dismissed claims of meddling.
“I cannot impose anything on the governor. I have no candidate and I will not,” he said.
But his record of tight control over Rivers’ political structure keeps speculation alive. While congratulating Fubara, he also remarked that he was “not Fubara’s protocol officer”—a statement critics interpret as evidence of his lingering shadow.
Rivers Assembly Demands Action After Fubara’s Delayed Return
Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, reconvened after six months. Lawmakers swiftly demanded:
A list of commissioner nominees from the governor
A fresh state budget
An audit of finances managed under emergency rule
Speaker Amaewhule praised Tinubu for restoring civilian institutions but made clear that the Assembly would maintain scrutiny rather than blind loyalty.
“This House will uphold constitutional governance and review all expenditures during the last six months,” he declared.
Outgoing Administrator Sparks Controversy with Last-Minute Appointment
Outgoing sole administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) delivered a farewell broadcast, crediting his tenure with restoring order, conducting local government elections, and passing a state budget through the National Assembly.
But his last-minute appointment of Dr. Iringe Brown as Head of Civil Service hours before leaving office has sparked outrage.
Activist Charles Jaja condemned the move as “a poison pill,” arguing that it breached civil service protocol and could undermine Fubara’s authority.
Tensions Rise as Port Harcourt Streets Await Leadership
In Port Harcourt, emotions remain volatile. Former commissioners, sacked local government chairmen, and pro-Fubara lawmakers joined crowds at Government House, expecting the governor’s triumphant return.
“The crowd was organic. It’s the people’s love for Fubara. That cannot be manufactured,” former Commissioner for Power, Solomon Eke, asserted.
Still, patience is wearing thin. Continued silence from the governor risks fueling doubts over who truly holds power in Rivers.
Elders Call for Reconciliation and Peace in Rivers State
Seeking to calm tensions, the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, led by former Governor Rufus Ada-George and ex-Deputy Governor Gabriel Toby, released a statement urging reconciliation.
“Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. Rivers State belongs to us all. Let us reject violence, embrace lawful governance, and choose dialogue over discord,” the elders appealed.
What Lies Ahead: Will Fubara’s Return Restore Stability in Rivers?
Political analysts warn that the governor’s hesitation could define not only his tenure but also the balance of power between Abuja and the states.
If he concedes too much to Wike, he risks being branded a figurehead. But open resistance could trigger another confrontation.
For now, Rivers stands at a crossroads emergency rule has ended, but political stability remains elusive.
The people of Rivers endured six months of direct federal control. They now demand more than symbolic freedom; they want leadership that rises above political bargaining and delivers genuine governance.
Whether Governor Fubara can step forward and claim that role remains the unanswered question.
