Tensions continue to rise in Rivers State as suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly criticized the Nigeria Police Force for what he describes as a “double standard” in handling peaceful protests. His comments follow the forceful disruption of a pro-Fubara rally in Ahoada East, where police reportedly used teargas on elderly women and peaceful demonstrators. Two Sides of the Same Protest: Peaceful in Port Harcourt, Chaotic in Ahoada On Monday, April 15, 2025, two simultaneous protests unfolded across Rivers State, exposing sharp divides in public sentiment: While the Port Harcourt protest proceeded peacefully, the Ahoada protest turned chaotic as security agents dispersed the crowd using teargas, despite the demonstrators being largely composed of elderly women and youths. “The police treated the two protests differently. That’s not justice—it’s oppression,” said Jerry Omatsogunwa, Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media. Disturbing Footage from Ahoada Videos from the Ahoada protest show women kneeling and crying as they chant: “We want Fubara, we want peace.” One distressed protester added, “We are hungry, suffering, and dying. Sim is our hope.” According to reports, an elderly woman fainted after being teargassed, further intensifying public outrage over the police response. Port Harcourt Protesters Applaud Emergency Rule In contrast, the Port Harcourt demonstrators marched from Garrison Junction to Isaac Boro Park, holding placards like: The protest was led by Mrs. Inime Aguma, a former Commissioner for Social Welfare, who applauded President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator of the state. “Our democratic institutions had collapsed. The emergency rule has restored peace and leadership,” Aguma stated. Governor’s Aide Slams Supporters of Emergency Rule Fubara’s media adviser, Omatsogunwa, dismissed the support for the state of emergency as “endorsement of illegality.” He also accused the sole administrator of nurturing political ambitions in Cross River State and called on both national and international stakeholders to closely monitor events in Rivers. “The whole world must watch what the state Commissioner of Police and the sole administrator are doing,” he warned. Constitutional Crisis: The Legal Battle Continues The political unrest in Rivers State intensified after President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the State Assembly. In response, the National Assembly backed a declaration of emergency rule. However, 11 governors from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are challenging the legality of this declaration. According to reports from Premium Times Nigeria, the governors have hired senior lawyers to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is preparing an official response on behalf of the Presidency. What This Means for Rivers State As Rivers State faces a political crossroad, citizens and leaders alike are calling for: The voices from both streets and courtrooms echo a shared sentiment: Rivers State deserves peace and legitimate governance. Read more about the impact of state of emergency declarations in Nigeria on governance and democracy. More on the national political climate at Premium Times Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Political tensions escalate as LP’s Eradiri speaks out Udengs Eradiri, former Labour Party gubernatorial candidate in Bayelsa State’s 2023 elections, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State to seek reconciliation with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in order to resolve the intensifying political unrest in the state. Eradiri, who spoke on the matter in a widely circulated interview, attributed the ongoing political discord to what he described as Governor Fubara’s administrative incompetence, and strongly advised against injecting ethnicity into the crisis. “Fubara should stop ethnicizing the issue” – Eradiri “Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s lack of leadership experience is the root cause of this negative political energy in Rivers. He shouldn’t drag the Ijaw ethnic group into his personal political battles,” Eradiri said. He questioned the governor’s track record in supporting Ijaw communities, pointing out the lack of significant empowerment initiatives for Ijaw youths and leaders under Fubara’s administration. “Let him show us how many Ijaws in Rivers State he has empowered or appointed to significant roles like local government chairmen or commissioners,” he added. Eradiri further stressed that Governor Fubara should humble himself and apologize to Wike to de-escalate the crisis, accusing Fubara’s supporters of hypocrisy. “Those misleading him are spineless. They kneel before Wike privately but pretend to be fearless warriors in public,” Eradiri claimed. INC also under fire for poor crisis management The former LP candidate didn’t spare the Ijaw National Congress (INC) either. He criticized the organization for its handling of the Rivers crisis, warning against the ethnicization of political matters. “The INC has embarrassed the Ijaw nation by supporting incompetent leaders. The institution must remain apolitical and stop massaging the egos of governors,” he warned. He called on the INC to uphold its responsibility to represent all Ijaw people fairly and maintain neutrality in political affairs, reminding them that no individual holds a superior Ijaw identity over another. Related Reading: Conclusion The political tension in Rivers State continues to attract national attention, with prominent figures like Udengs Eradiri offering candid advice. His call for Fubara to seek peace through humility and for stakeholders to avoid ethnic sentiments underlines the urgent need for leadership and reconciliation in the state. If you found this article helpful, check out more updates on Nigerian Political News on LMSINT MEDIA. 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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Discover how Governor Siminalayi Fubara resisted attempts to privatize Rivers State, showcasing strong leadership and inspiring unity among its people. Dr. Peter Odili Lauds Governor Fubara’s Courageous Leadership Former Rivers State Governor and PDP stalwart, Dr. Peter Odili, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for standing firm against alleged efforts by Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to privatize Rivers State for personal control. Speaking at a Christmas celebration hosted in honor of Governor Fubara and his family, Dr. Odili highlighted Fubara’s resilience in the face of intense political challenges. He acknowledged the governor’s role in safeguarding Rivers State’s integrity and fostering a sense of renewed hope among its citizens. Dr. Odili explained that since October 25, 2023, Governor Fubara has faced fierce opposition aimed at seizing control of the state. Yet, through remarkable fortitude, Fubara not only repelled these attempts but also revitalized governance, uplifted civil servants, and restored happiness among Rivers people. Governor Fubara’s Response: A Divine Triumph In response, Governor Fubara attributed the state’s triumph to divine intervention, emphasizing that God remains the ultimate liberator. Reflecting on the political turmoil, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from Rivers citizens, which has bolstered his resolve to lead effectively. “The challenges only strengthened my perspective on leadership,” Fubara stated. “The unwavering support of true Rivers people turned the crisis into an opportunity for growth.” Fubara reassured the audience of his administration’s commitment to delivering progress and prosperity, vowing to uphold transparency and integrity. He also promised to maintain a governance structure that ensures continuity and growth for future administrations. Leaders Rally Behind Governor Fubara Prominent figures, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo and Chief Judge Justice Simeon Amadi, praised Fubara for his exemplary leadership. They acknowledged his role in uniting the state and steering it through turbulent times. Justice Amadi noted that despite the political upheaval, the governor has demonstrated resilience and maintained stability, ensuring governance remains on track. Dr. Abiye Sekibo Commends Fubara’s Leadership Style Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, applauded Governor Fubara for blending Dr. Odili’s leadership principles with his unique approach to governance. According to Sekibo, Fubara’s efforts have made Rivers citizens proud, reaffirming his place as a worthy leader of the state. A Night of Gratitude and Celebration The event, organized by Dr. Odili and his family, brought together Rivers State’s political elite in a celebration of unity and progress. Justice Adolphus Enebeli (rtd), Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, expressed gratitude to the Odili family for hosting the event and praised Governor Fubara for his humility and dedication to the state’s development. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Governors of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Siminalayi Fubara and Douye Diri, have reiterated their dedication to fostering peace and cooperation between their states amid ongoing disputes concerning the Soku Oil Wells and Bayelsa’s properties in Port Harcourt. This shared commitment was highlighted when Governor Douye Diri led a delegation of Bayelsa officials on a Christmas visit to Governor Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The visit followed a previous gesture by Governor Fubara, who had earlier visited Bayelsa’s capital, Yenagoa. During the meeting, Governor Diri expressed his appreciation for Governor Fubara’s calm and peaceful approach to resolving the longstanding issues. He acknowledged the progress made in finding common ground over the ownership of the Soku Oil Wells and the repossession of Bayelsa’s properties—disputes that had escalated to a Supreme Court case under his administration. Governor Fubara, in his response, emphasized the shared history of the two states, which were once part of a unified Rivers State. He noted that amicably settling these disputes serves the collective interest of both states. Furthermore, he highlighted his administration’s commitment to strengthening the BRACE Commission—a regional alliance involving Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo States—to boost regional development and integration. Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and fostering a spirit of collaboration to ensure mutual growth and progress for their states. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
