By Adesina Soyooye
If the message he released on May 29, 2025, the day that could have marked his second anniversary in office but for his suspension in office is anything to go by, then, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is not tired of the office from which he was suspended by President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that a couple of weeks ago, Fubara had, to the anger of his supporters, while speaking at one of the events which marked the funeral of late Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, given the impression that he was no longer interested in going back to office as Governor; that his spirit already left Government House.
However, from the message he sent to Rivers people on May 29, his spirit is still very much embedded in Government House Rivers. He still wants to go back. In fact in his address, he sounded as if he was still in office. He spoke about the turbulent two years. He spoke about the gradual but solid achievements made. He told the people that their support and belief in him push him to press on. Meaning: He is pushing to get back to office because of the people. “Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first”, he said.
He also told them, like an expectant mother: “We are at a point in our journey where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.”
Not a few people have interpreted the difficult decisions he referred to here to mean a decampment to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in order to get his office back. He was elected Governor under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The full text of Fubara’s address to Rivers State people, titled Our Journey: But Progressive And Impactful reads:
“My dear good people of Rivers State,
“Today marks exactly two years since I took the oath of office as your 7th democratically-elected Governor. On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections. Once again, I thank you for the trust, honour, and privilege to lead our beloved State.
“In the past two years, our political landscape has undergone significant changes. Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first. I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you e n joy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken.
“While we have faced daunting political challenges that have, at times, slowed our pace, these two years have not been without meaningful progress. I am proud of the visible milestones we have achieved, modest but significant strides in healthcare, education, infrastructure, youth empowerment, human capital development, and the inclusion of women in governance.
“These achievements would not have been possible without your unwavering support and hope in the brighter future we all envision for Rivers State. For your sacrifices, contributions, and the roles you’ve played in your respective capacities, I say a heartfelt thank you.
“As we look ahead, I reaffirm my pledge to consolidate on our gains and remain fully committed to the key priorities of this administration: peace, security, community welfare, and the socio-economic advancement of our State. Though our momentum may have been affected by political circumstances, our focus remains clear, and we are determined to emerge stronger, more united, and more result-oriented.
“Your support has emboldened me to press on and not to retreat, but to work harder to foster peace, reconcil i ation, and forgiveness. These are essential to restoring normalcy and delivering transformational infrastructure, impactful programmes, and life-changing services across the State.
“We are at a crucial point in our journey, where difficult decisions must be made. Be assured that every step we take will be guided by your best interests and the enduring good of Rivers State.
“As we reflect on the lessons of the past two years, I am hopeful for what lies ahead. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you to build a State we can all be proud of: a RIVERS STATE that stands as a model for the rest of Nigeria.
“To those still carrying the weight of our recent political struggles, I appeal to you, let us turn the page, come together, and focus on our shared goal of progress and unity. The time to rebuild and rise is now.
“Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve.
“God bless Rivers State.
“Signed: His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor Rivers State
Thursday, May 29, 2025”
Recall that due to the political crisis triggered in the State by the bitter struggle for power between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, declared a State of Emergency on the State for an initial period of six months. In doing that, he suspended the Governor, his Deputy and the Members of the State House of Assembly from office, and appointed a retired Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator of the State.
Quite a number of people expected that the President could lift the suspension May 29 to mark his second year in office, but the expectation was in vain.
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