A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tonye Cole, has expressed concern that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara will have little or no authority when his suspension from office is lifted.
Speaking in an interview, Cole, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the APC, argued that Fubara’s ability to govern independently has been compromised by political interference.
“We cannot be in a situation where an elected governor of Rivers State—a very critical state for both the people and Nigeria at large—returns to office with zero powers. That doesn’t portend well for democracy,” Cole said.
According to him, the political climate in Nigeria often leads to conflict between governors and their predecessors, particularly when the latter attempts to dictate the affairs of the state.
He described such “godfather-godson” tussles as damaging, noting that citizens ultimately bear the brunt.
Cole warned that Fubara would face a difficult road ahead, unable to make decisions without interference.
He advised the governor to reach an understanding with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to carve out space for independent decision-making.
“If I were him, I would sit down with the honourable minister and appeal for some leeway—so that certain decisions can be taken by me as governor, and others by him, based on whatever peace agreement exists,” he suggested.
Cole admitted, however, that the details of the agreement between both men remain unclear, making it difficult to determine the true extent of Fubara’s authority going forward.
The remarks come as Rivers State remains a political flashpoint, with analysts warning that instability in the oil-rich state could have broader national implications.