Stop-Disturbing-Governor -Siminalayi-Fubara:-Rivers-State-Must-Be-Allowed to Breathe
Stop Disturbing Governor Siminalayi Fubara: Rivers State Must Be Allowed to Breathe By Julius Benibo Sunny Democratic Forum of Niger Delta January 8th, 2026 The political history of Rivers State since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999 is clear, consistent, and instructive. From the administration of Dr. Peter Odili to that of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and later Nyesom Wike, each governor was allowed to serve the constitutionally recognised eight-year tenure. Beyond the question of duration, this tradition represented a deeper commitment to political stability, institutional continuity, and the understanding that governance must rise above personal ambition and partisan control. It is therefore disturbing that, for the first time in this democratic trajectory, a sitting governor—Siminalayi Fubara—has been denied the political space traditionally accorded to his predecessors. This development raises fundamental questions. Why must Rivers State suddenly become...