What was initially anticipated to be a momentous day of celebration for supporters of the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, ended in widespread disappointment, as the long-awaited reinstatement failed to materialize on Nigeria’s Democracy Day, June 12.
Many residents and political supporters across the state had hoped that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would use the symbolic significance of the day to announce the reversal of the state of emergency imposed on March 18. That emergency declaration had effectively suspended key democratic institutions in the state, including the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and state legislature, following the intensifying political conflict between Governor Fubara and his former mentor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Despite rising public pressure, growing speculation, and recent high-profile political consultations—one held in London and another in Lagos—no official statement was issued from the presidency, dashing the expectations of those who had prepared to celebrate a political comeback.
A political insider, speaking to Vanguard, disclosed that there were indeed plans to announce Fubara’s return to office on Democracy Day. According to the source, “President Tinubu was expected to make the announcement, and a formal transition process was supposed to begin shortly afterward, possibly spanning one to two weeks.” However, that announcement never came.
Internal Power Struggles Reportedly Derailed Plans
Reports suggest that preliminary celebrations within Fubara’s camp, sparked by unofficial confirmation of the impending reinstatement, provoked strong opposition from loyalists aligned with Wike. According to sources familiar with the development, influential figures in Wike’s political circle acted swiftly behind the scenes to halt the process. Their efforts reportedly hinged on unresolved conditions and unfulfilled agreements that were supposed to be in place before any official action could be taken.
Governor Fubara himself, during a recent public engagement, hinted that a return to power was imminent, stating that he and other suspended officials would “be back very soon.” Yet, these remarks appear to have intensified tensions rather than ease them.
APC Faction Warns of Impeachment Regardless of Party Affiliation
Amid the growing uncertainty, factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, delivered a stern warning during a press conference. He stressed that even if Governor Fubara defected to the APC, it would not protect him from impeachment proceedings.
Okocha asserted, “His decision to join the APC will not erase the wrongs he has committed. The issues surrounding the state of emergency are far deeper than a simple change of political party. If he wants to join our party, he must do so properly—through the front door, not the window. No special privileges.”
He further criticized the suspended governor for making no tangible efforts to reconcile with members of the State House of Assembly, suggesting that only sincere and far-reaching reconciliation could shield Fubara from potential legislative action against him.
