Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, may be reinstated ahead of Democracy Day on June 12, 2025, following mounting pressure from prominent political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to restore democratic order in the state.
Sources close to the presidency revealed that Jonathan has personally engaged Tinubu, including at least one telephone conversation, urging the president to lift the suspension and reinstate Fubara in the spirit of Democracy Day, a national celebration marking the return to civilian rule in Nigeria.
Background
President Tinubu had on March 18, 2025, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amid escalating political tensions, which led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and several members of the State House of Assembly. The action followed a protracted power struggle between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike-aligned lawmakers had initiated an impeachment process against Fubara, deepening the political crisis in the oil-rich state. The president’s intervention, including a six-month suspension of key state officials, was described as a move to stabilize the political landscape. Ibas was appointed to oversee the state’s affairs during the suspension period.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts
It had been speculated that Fubara’s suspension might be lifted on May 29, during Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, but that did not materialize. However, fresh expectations have now shifted to June 12, with sources close to the presidency suggesting a likely announcement in Tinubu’s scheduled Democracy Day broadcast.
Fubara had met with the president privately in London in April, where discussions focused on resolving the Rivers crisis. He also visited the president in Lagos, expressing gratitude for the president’s intervention and urging his supporters to refrain from attacking President Tinubu or Minister Wike publicly, to avoid jeopardizing the fragile peace process.
Possible Defection to APC
There is increasing speculation that upon his reinstatement, Fubara may defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom States who have already shifted political allegiance. The move could significantly alter the political dynamics in Rivers State, especially within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where the Fubara-Wike rift has caused deep divisions.
Countdown to September
By September 18, 2025, it will be exactly six months since Ibas took over the reins of power in Rivers State following the president’s declaration of emergency. Political watchers believe a reinstatement before then, especially on a symbolic date like June 12, would signal a strong message about the administration’s commitment to democratic values and constitutional governance.
All eyes are now on President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, as the nation awaits clarity on the political future of Governor Sim Fubara and the broader implications for democratic leadership in Nigeria.
