Elder statesmen and political leaders in Rivers State have cast doubt on Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s ability to fully reclaim power when he returns to office on September 18, 2025, after six months of suspension under emergency rule.
Convener of the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought, Sunnie Chukumele, described the recently concluded local government elections as a “charade,” claiming Rivers people had boycotted the process in rejection of what he called a “puppet system.”
“He is coming back as a puppet and Rivers State people are not prepared for a puppet. Rivers people are not happy. How many people came out to vote in the council election? It was nothing short of a boycott. We are disappointed,” Chukumele told Punch.
Chukumele further alleged that the grip of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on the state would persist until 2027, though he expressed optimism that Rivers people would “elect their own governor” at the next polls.
Calls for Resignation
Another politician, who preferred anonymity, argued it would be more dignifying for Fubara to resign immediately after reinstatement to avoid what he described as “inevitable humiliation.”
“What the governor can do now is, when he is recalled, he should resume. But the following day, to save his face, he should address Rivers people and then resign from office,” he suggested.
‘A Baby Learning to Walk’
Asukewe Ikoawaju, a member of the Rivers Elders Council, also cast doubt on Fubara’s capacity to deliver on campaign promises, likening his return to that of “a baby learning to walk.”
Ikoawaju accused Wike of plunging the state into “an avoidable web of confusion” and faulted Fubara for losing both the loyalty of his supporters and the confidence of Rivers people.
He criticised the Sole Administrator for allegedly exceeding his mandate, describing the prolonged political crisis as a personal feud between Wike and Fubara imposed on the state.
“Any leader who cannot solve his family problem is not worth being a leader,” he said, vowing that Rivers elders would not remain silent ahead of the 2027 elections.
The unfolding crisis leaves Rivers State in a cloud of political uncertainty, with Fubara’s return set to test both his resilience and his legitimacy.
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