Fubara Faces Weakened Authority As Rivers Governor Returns To Office

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is expected to return to office on Thursday after his suspension, but concerns have emerged over the level of authority he will wield.

Tonye Cole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2023 election, said Fubara would have little to no control over state affairs when he resumes. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, he warned that the situation could undermine governance in one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.

Cole argued that Rivers, given its importance to Nigeria’s economy and politics, cannot afford a governor stripped of the ability to make independent decisions. He said the current arrangement leaves Fubara unable to function as a fully empowered leader, creating uncertainty for the state’s direction.

He traced the development to Nigeria’s recurring pattern of conflict between former governors and their successors. According to him, while some outgoing leaders allow their successors to govern freely, others impose control, sparking power struggles that often harm citizens.

Cole described the Fubara-Wike rift as another version of the “godfather-godson” tussle that has plagued Nigerian politics. He noted that such clashes usually stall progress, warning that Rivers people could be the ones to suffer if the crisis lingers.

Looking ahead, Cole urged Fubara to engage with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, under whose influence the peace agreement resolving the political impasse was brokered. He advised the governor to negotiate room to make decisions, even if under limited terms, to ensure the state remains functional.

He added that the exact details of the agreement remain unclear, making it difficult to determine how far Fubara’s powers now extend. However, he maintained that without genuine cooperation, the governor’s return may do little to restore stability in the state’s leadership.