Why Fubara may not return as Rivers Governor
A report has emerged that Siminalayi Fubara may not return as the governor of Rivers State following his suspension and the declaration of a state of emergency in the state by President Bola Tinubu.
Fubara’s sudden removal has left him without the immunity he once enjoyed under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, exposing him to potential legal battles.
There are speculations that his political opponents, who allegedly orchestrated his suspension, could pursue legal action against him, which might lead to his prosecution and possible conviction.
If this happens, his hopes of reclaiming his seat as governor could be dashed.
The Whistler reports that Fubara’s political troubles deepened after a Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, accused him of breaching the constitution and described the governance structure in Rivers State as ineffective.
This ruling set the stage for the emergency rule imposed by Tinubu, which was later defended by the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to Fagbemi, the intervention was necessary to restore order in the state after governance allegedly collapsed under Fubara’s leadership.
Despite this justification, the legality of the emergency rule has sparked heated debates, with critics questioning the procedural flaws in its ratification by the National Assembly.
Before the declaration of emergency rule, there had been attempts to impeach Fubara.
However, the impeachment plan failed due to the support he enjoyed from the state’s Chief Judge, Simeon Amadi, who was seen as loyal to him.
With the impeachment process blocked, those pushing for Fubara’s removal turned to the federal government for intervention, leading to the declaration of emergency rule.
Now, Fubara faces an uncertain future, with fears that he may be prosecuted for alleged misdeeds while in office.
Political analysts have pointed to the strained relationship between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as a key factor in the crisis.
Wike, who played a major role in Fubara’s rise to power, reportedly expected him to remain loyal and govern in line with his directives.
However, Fubara’s perceived attempt to assert independence from his political godfather is believed to have triggered the conflict that led to his downfall.
A Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has been appointed to oversee the state’s affairs, and there are concerns that he may uncover details that could further complicate Fubara’s legal troubles.
Meanwhile, observers are drawing parallels between Fubara’s predicament and past cases of political godfathers clashing with their protégés, such as the infamous rift between former Anambra State Governor Chris Ngige and his godfather in 2003.
Whether Fubara can navigate this political storm and return to office remains to be seen.
His fate now depends on how the legal and political dynamics unfold in the coming weeks and months. For now, the suspended governor must contend with the possibility that his political career may be nearing its end.
