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 an exception to an established democratic norm? Why must governance be subordinated to persistent instability, manufactured distractions, and avoidable institutional conflict?

At the heart of this crisis is a troubling convergence of political overreach and aggressive legislative posturing. The continued involvement of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the internal affairs of Rivers State has generated widespread concern. Though no longer governor, his perceived influence over political developments in the state has been a recurring source of tension. From Abuja, political signals are allegedly being relayed, emboldening a faction within the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The consequence is an atmosphere of uncertainty and discord that neither strengthens democracy nor advances the welfare of the people.

This situation raises serious moral and democratic concerns. Leadership in a diverse and plural society such as Nigeria requires restraint, humility, and respect for constitutional boundaries. When former office holders attempt to exercise power by proxy or impose control beyond their mandate, it reflects insecurity rather than strength. More troublingly, it undermines the democratic process that once legitimised their own rise to power.

History teaches, time and again, that power exercised without conscience, reverence for God, and respect for the will of the people is ultimately self-destructive. Rivers State has witnessed the consequences of political excess in the past, and the lessons should not be forgotten. Those who seek to manipulate institutions and intimidate opponents often find themselves undone by the very systems they attempt to dominate.

In contrast, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated remarkable composure, focus, and dedication to governance in the face of persistent provocation. Rather than resorting to confrontation, he has embraced dialogue, consultation, and service to the people. This posture reflects a level of maturity and statesmanship that sets him apart. It is perhaps this quiet confidence and refusal to engage in political theatrics that unsettles those who equate noise with authority and control with leadership.

Attempts to characterise routine political disagreements or procedural disputes as “gross misconduct” reveal more about the motives behind such actions than about the conduct of the governor. Legislative oversight is a constitutional duty, but when it is weaponised to pursue personal or factional vendettas, it loses legitimacy. History is unforgiving to legislative bodies that sacrifice independence for partisan loyalty, and Rivers State will not be an exception.

What is unfolding in Rivers State goes beyond a mere political disagreement. It is a contest between progress and regression, between democratic order and personal domination. The people are watching. Civil society is watching. Above all, accountability—both temporal and divine—remains inescapable. Darkness, no matter how assertive, cannot extinguish light; it can only delay its triumph.

Political parties exist to strengthen democracy, not to suffocate it. When party structures are deployed as instruments of internal oppression or external control, they forfeit moral authority and public trust. Rivers people understand this distinction and have consistently shown a preference for peace, development, and stability over endless political drama.

Governor Fubara represents a generational shift in leadership—one anchored in service, inclusiveness, and quiet resolve. He may not be flawless, but he is focused. He is not confrontational, but he is firm. Most importantly, he enjoys the goodwill of the people of Rivers State, who desire progress rather than perpetual political crisis.

It must be clearly stated that Rivers State does not belong to any individual, past or present. It belongs to its people. Its resources are collective assets meant for the common good, not instruments for private bargaining or elite capture. Allegations that the governor is being pressured to surrender a portion of the state’s statutory allocation, if true, are deeply troubling and must be unequivocally rejected. No responsible leader should compromise the collective interest of the people to satisfy personal or factional demands.

From all available facts, the reasons advanced by the Speaker of the House of Assembly to justify impeachment proceedings against the governor appear frivolous and lacking substantive merit. Rivers people are attentive and discerning. They are fully aware of the actions and intentions of those working to destabilise the state under the guise of legislative authority.

The people of Rivers State will not remain silent in the face of actions perceived as unjust, oppressive, or contrary to democratic principles. Any attempt to subvert the popular mandate or undermine legitimate governance will be met with lawful and collective resistance.

In the end, Siminalayi Fubara stands not on the strength of coercion or political noise, but on truth, patience, and legitimacy. History has shown that these virtues endure long after intimidation and manipulation have faded. In due course, darkness will recede, and governance—rooted in the will of the people—will prevail over godfatherism.