Rivers: ‘Why Tinubu Did Not Reinstate Fubara On June 12’

What was expected to be a day of jubilation across Rivers State turned out to be a major letdown for the supporters of the suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara.

Naijaonpoint reports that June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, came and went without the anticipated announcement reinstating the suspended governor, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and the House of Assembly.

Many had marked the day for celebration, believing President Bola Tinubu would use the opportunity to reverse the state of emergency declared on March 18, which effectively removed the democratic structures in the state amid the heated political feud between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

Despite mounting pressure from prominent Nigerians and strong indications from two high-level meetings, one in London and another in Lagos, that a recall was on the cards, the President remained silent.

A source who spoke with Vanguard revealed that “the announcement of the governor’s return was to be made by Tinubu on June 12. The process of handing over power would have taken one or two weeks.” But that hope was dashed.

Wike’s Camp Allegedly Moved Against Reinstatement

The early celebrations by Fubara’s camp, who got wind of the planned reinstatement, reportedly irked the Wike camp. It was gathered that “all strings were pulled” to stall the process, pending the fulfilment of certain undisclosed agreements.

Insiders disclosed that Governor Fubara even hinted during a public event that he and other suspended officials would return “very soon.” However, the situation took a different turn.

Rivers APC factional chairman, Tony Okocha, in a recent press address, stated emphatically that even if Fubara defects to the APC, he would not escape impeachment.

Okocha said, “If Fubara decides to join the APC, it has nothing to do with the state of emergency in Rivers State. His sins cannot be forgiven because he came to our party. He has not spoken to me. He will enter the party through the door, not the window. Not only him.”

He also noted that the suspended governor had failed to initiate any reconciliation efforts with the lawmakers, adding, “Only genuine reconciliation can save him from impeachment.”

FCT Minister and former Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, in a media chat, also accused Fubara of lacking genuine interest in reconciliation. Wike claimed the governor visited him once in Abuja with two Yoruba leaders and never returned.

“He has the yam. He has the knife. If you want genuine peace, we will know,” Wike stated during a recent media chat.

Amid the political tension, photos of Governor Fubara and President Tinubu surfaced on social media during the latter’s Salah holiday celebrations in Bourdillon, Lagos, further fueling speculations.

But no official pronouncement followed the symbolic appearance.

Ibas Under Instruction To Conduct LG Polls Before Exit

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, reportedly received firm instructions to conduct local government elections before his tenure ends in September.

According to Vanguard, this move is part of a broader political strategy to secure the state’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections, with the reins potentially returned to Wike’s grip.

Just days ago, President Tinubu transmitted to the Senate a list of nominees for the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Local Government Civil Service Commission, and other bodies, signalling a strong intent to move forward with the elections under emergency rule.

This could delay Fubara’s reinstatement until after the elections, effectively limiting his political leverage.

Wike, who has publicly pledged to lead Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, is believed to be playing the long game. A party insider revealed, “Wike’s plan was to clinch the PDP ticket and step down for Tinubu, keeping the presidency in the South.”

However, with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, once Wike’s ally, also eyeing the PDP ticket, the battle lines within the party are being redrawn.

Former Rivers governor,  Rotimi Amaechi, is reportedly warming up to lead the opposition coalition against Tinubu in 2027. Should that happen, political analysts say the state could become a hotbed of resistance, especially given public discontent over the emergency rule.

“The people may choose to vent their anger in 2027 by voting against the President,” a source noted.

With just three months left in the current emergency rule, Governor Fubara’s reinstatement remains uncertain. Even if he returns, the political terrain awaiting him appears treacherous.