Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed deep concern and depression over the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
On March 18, President Tinubu declared the emergency rule due to a prolonged political crisis between Fubara and 27 lawmakers, who are reportedly backed by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. As part of the emergency measures, Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, were suspended, and all members of the state’s House of Assembly were dissolved. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed as the sole administrator for an initial period of six months.
During a visit by Muslim leaders at his private residence in Port Harcourt, Fubara revealed his emotional distress over the situation but emphasized a sense of spiritual resilience.
“We, as humans, might feel a bit depressed because of the situation. Maybe because of what we are seeing, but we might not understand that what is deeper and beyond us happened,” Fubara said. “But in everything, we have decided to give glory to the Almighty God. No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger. If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
Meanwhile, a coalition of Nigerian professionals and political figures has written to the African Union (AU) in protest against what they described as unconstitutional actions by the Federal Government. The group argues that the suspension of Fubara and dissolution of the state legislature violates democratic principles and the Nigerian Constitution.
The petition, signed by notable figures such as Prof Opeyemi Ola, Prof Adah George, Dr James Oloko, and Dr (Mrs) Evelyn Ogolime, warned that the Federal Government’s actions posed a threat not only to democracy in Nigeria but also to the wider African continent.
“Nigeria is expected to be a shining example of democratic governance in Africa. The government’s decision to suspend the democratically elected governor and House of Assembly is a clear violation of the Constitution and an affront to democratic principles,” the petition read.
The coalition called on the AU to intervene, urging the organization to send a fact-finding team to Rivers State to assess the situation and ensure the protection of democratic institutions.
In related developments, leaders from the Etche ethnic nationality in Rivers State have strongly condemned the accusations made by George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service (HoS), against Fubara. Nwaeke had accused the suspended governor of orchestrating the demolition of the House of Assembly building to avoid impeachment.
The Etche elders, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, described Nwaeke as a “liar, betrayer, and notoriously untrustworthy.” They also distanced themselves from his claims, labeling them as “externally influenced” and urged security agencies to investigate him.
Despite Nwaeke’s rise to the position of HoS, the Etche leaders made it clear that the former civil servant was not recognized as a chief in their community due to his character. They further disassociated themselves from his allegations and emphasized that financial inducement and dishonesty were foreign to their culture.
