Rivers Crisis: Fubara Stands Defiant, Says He’s Not Afraid of Political Fallout

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has declared that he remains unfazed by the ongoing political crisis gripping the state, stating that the worst possible outcome for him would simply be leaving office.

Fubara made this bold assertion on Monday while inaugurating new residential quarters for government house staff in Port Harcourt. Addressing supporters at the event, he acknowledged the persistent challenges facing his administration, noting that every attempt to stabilize governance is met with fresh obstacles.

“No matter how we have been fooled in this state, it has gotten to the point where the people have decided to take their destinies into their own hands,” Fubara said, rallying the crowd.

The governor, who has been embroiled in a prolonged political battle, hinted at a firm response when the time is right. “I do not subscribe to violence, but when the moment comes for a decisive stand, I will lead that charge,” he asserted.

Fubara also dismissed fears about his political fate. “I’m not scared of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office. Am I leaving the earth? Will it stop me from existing? No. The right thing must be done and said when the opportunity is given,” he declared.

For nearly two years, Rivers State has been mired in political turmoil stemming from the fallout between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state. The dispute has split the Rivers State House of Assembly into two rival factions, further complicating governance.

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The crisis took another dramatic turn last Friday when the Supreme Court upheld a ruling barring the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from releasing statutory monthly allocations to Rivers State. The apex court also reinstated the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the House of Assembly, ordering its members to resume legislative duties.

Additionally, the court nullified the local government elections held in the state on October 5, 2024, a decision widely seen as a blow to Fubara’s allies and a victory for Wike’s faction.