The suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has once again visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in a bid to mend their strained political relationship. According to verified information obtained by LMSINT MEDIA, Fubara visited Wike at his personal residence in Abuja on Monday. A close source, who preferred anonymity, confirmed the meeting to Daily Post, clarifying that a circulating image of the duo was outdated. “That photo is not recent, but I can confidently tell you that the governor visited the Minister this Monday,” the source stated. This visit appears to be another deliberate effort by Fubara to reconcile with his predecessor and ease the mounting political tension in Rivers State. Background of the Crisis Fubara’s governorship began on a contentious note shortly after taking office in 2023, following disagreements with Wike concerning political influence and resource control in the state. This power struggle soon extended to the Rivers State House of Assembly, leading to a division within the legislative body, with members aligning with opposing factions. Federal Government Intervention On March 18, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara for six months and imposed a state of emergency in Rivers State. As a precautionary response to threats from militant groups in the Niger Delta region—who vowed to sabotage oil facilities—the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to maintain law and order during the period. Despite his suspension, Fubara has actively pursued peaceful resolutions. He has held private meetings with President Tinubu in London and Lagos, and also reached out to Wike on multiple occasions. In a recent development, Wike referred to Fubara as his “son” and emphasized the need for him to engage with other key political actors in Rivers State to ensure a total resolution of the crisis. However, there have been no confirmed reports of Fubara initiating dialogue with other prominent figures in the state as the suspension enters its third month.
Utomi to Tinubu: Why Declare State of Emergency in Rivers But Not Lagos? Renowned political economist, Prof Pat Utomi, has expressed strong reservations over President Bola Tinubu’s recent decision to impose a state of emergency in Rivers State. Utomi questioned why the president did not take similar action during political crises in Lagos, particularly the turmoil surrounding Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Tinubu Declares State of Emergency in Rivers In a national address on Tuesday, March 18, 2024, President Tinubu justified the emergency rule in Rivers State, citing increasing militant activities, particularly pipeline vandalization, and political instability in the state. Following this decision, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as the state’s administrator, while Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, and all elected House of Assembly members were suspended. Utomi Faults Tinubu’s Justification Speaking on Channels Television, Prof Utomi criticized the move, arguing that previous administrations had faced similar security threats without resorting to emergency rule. He recalled a period when militants in Rivers State were actively attacking oil pipelines, yet no emergency declaration was made. Why Not Lagos? Utomi also pointed out that despite the political instability involving Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and lawmakers in Lagos, Tinubu did not impose emergency rule there. “What exactly in Rivers State necessitated a state of emergency? During past crises when pipelines were destroyed like popcorn, was there an emergency rule? Why was there no emergency rule in Lagos when the Assembly faced instability? Where is the fairness and equity in this decision?” Utomi questioned. National Assembly’s Endorsement Criticized Beyond questioning Tinubu’s decision, Utomi condemned the National Assembly for approving the emergency rule, describing their endorsement as an affront to democracy and an insult to Nigerians. Conclusion Utomi’s remarks have intensified debates on the fairness of Tinubu’s approach to governance. Many Nigerians are now scrutinizing the rationale behind selective emergency rule enforcement. For a deeper analysis on the impact of state of emergency declarations, read more on BBC News. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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A heated confrontation unfolded in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as lawmakers engaged in a fiery debate over the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu. The dispute, which took place shortly before the legislative session commenced, saw Marie Ebikake and Blessing Amadi exchanging verbal attacks over the controversial decision. Ebikake, representing Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency of Bayelsa, and Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Two Federal Constituency of Rivers State, engaged in a shouting match, pointing fingers at each other as tensions flared. The disagreement stemmed from President Tinubu’s announcement, which cited prolonged governance paralysis and unresolved political turmoil in the state. President Tinubu’s Declaration and Justification In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the instability in Rivers State. He emphasized that the crisis had stalled governance and deprived citizens of effective leadership. Tinubu justified his decision, stating: “I feel greatly disturbed by the political crisis in Rivers. The state has been at a standstill, and the people have been deprived of good governance. Fourteen months after Governor Fubara demolished the House of Assembly, it remains unbuilt. Many Nigerians have intervened, just as I did, but their efforts have been to no avail.” Citing the urgent need to restore order, the President announced the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, he appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) as the interim administrator to oversee governance in Rivers State. Escalating Tensions in Rivers State The emergency declaration followed a series of alarming incidents, including an explosion at an oil facility in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area. Earlier that day, a major fire outbreak was reported on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), heightening fears of escalating unrest in the state. Political Fallout and Backlash The emergency rule has sparked outrage among opposition figures, legal experts, and socio-political groups who argue that the decision is unconstitutional. Many critics assert that suspending an elected governor and lawmakers without due legislative process undermines Nigeria’s democracy. PANDEF (Pan Niger Delta Forum) has vowed to release an official stance after analyzing the situation. Similarly, political analysts believe this move may set a precedent for federal intervention in state affairs. External Insight and Analysis Experts warn that the crisis could impact the stability of the Niger Delta region, an area crucial to Nigeria’s oil production. Read more insights from The Guardian on the political dynamics unfolding in Rivers State. Conclusion As the political landscape in Rivers State remains volatile, stakeholders are calling for dialogue to resolve the crisis. The confrontation in the House of Representatives highlights the deep divisions surrounding the emergency declaration. With growing public outcry and potential legal battles ahead, all eyes remain on how the situation will unfold in the coming weeks. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
