Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly thanked President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention in the ongoing political crisis that has gripped the oil-rich state, describing the presidential mediation as crucial in preventing a deterioration of the situation.
Speaking to supporters at a May 29 event organized by the Simplified Movement at their Port Harcourt secretariat, Fubara emphasized that without the President’s timely intervention, the political impasse could have escalated into a more serious crisis. “Mr President is the one that we should give every thank you to because without him, what else would have solved the problem? We protest, we protest at the end… but he came in at the right time and he salvaged a very worse situation,” Fubara told the gathering.
The suspended governor, who was removed from office alongside his deputy and state legislators by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, expressed confidence that the political crisis would be resolved through dialogue rather than street protests. In a significant gesture toward reconciliation, Fubara assured his supporters that peace would prevail between him and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been at the center of the political dispute.
“There is no reason why there will not be peace between me and my oga,” Fubara said, referring to Wike, suggesting a willingness to mend the fractured relationship that has dominated Rivers State politics. The governor also promised his supporters that normalcy would return to both the executive and legislative arms of government, expressing hope for a future where political leaders could “work together, eating together, crack jokes together.”
During his address, Fubara took a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the disappointment some may have felt regarding his handling of the crisis. He sought forgiveness from anyone who felt let down, explaining that his actions were motivated by a desire to maintain peace and ensure the state’s continued progress. “I want to assure you that the problem will be resolved. By the special grace of God we will come back to our various offices,” he told supporters, while urging them to understand that complex political disputes require more than protests to resolve.
The suspended governor also expressed gratitude to his supporters and Nigerians who stood by him during what he described as a period of political turbulence, acknowledging their loyalty and prayers throughout the crisis.
The Rivers State political crisis has been one of Nigeria’s most watched political dramas, stemming from tensions between Fubara and his predecessor Wike, who wielded considerable influence in state politics. The dispute led to President Tinubu’s intervention through emergency measures, including the suspension of key political figures.
As Rivers State continues to navigate this political uncertainty, Fubara’s latest comments suggest a shift toward reconciliation and a hope for restored democratic governance in the strategically important oil-producing state.
