I Am Still In Office By President Tinubu’s Special Favour, Says Rivers Governor Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he remains in office largely due to the “special favour” and political consideration extended to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu amid the prolonged crisis rocking the state’s political landscape.

Fubara made the remark while addressing a gathering of government officials and supporters in Port Harcourt on Friday. His comments come against the backdrop of the lingering feud between him and his predecessor, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, which has plunged the state into months of political tension and legislative battles.

According to Fubara, the President’s intervention at critical moments prevented the escalation of the crisis and helped sustain stability in the governance of the oil-rich state. He noted that without Tinubu’s decisive role, the political situation could have deteriorated to the point of jeopardising his hold on office.

“Let me be clear: I am still here as your governor by the special favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Fubara stated. “At moments when the situation could have been pushed beyond redemption, he chose peace and fairness. For that, I am grateful.”

The Governor’s comment appears to acknowledge the weight of the political forces aligned against him since the conflict with Wike intensified, leading to mass defection within the Rivers State House of Assembly, legal battles, and attempts to impeach him.

Fubara reiterated his commitment to peace and governance, urging political actors in the state to put personal interests aside and prioritise the well-being of Rivers people.

“We cannot continue in crisis forever,” he said. “Our focus must be on development, on service, and on the future of our young people. I will continue to chart the path of peace, no matter the pressure.”

The Presidency has yet to officially respond to Fubara’s remarks, though sources in Abuja say the President has consistently urged both sides to respect the rule of law and maintain order.

Meanwhile, political analysts believe Fubara’s public acknowledgment signals both the weight of the President’s influence in the Rivers crisis and the fragile nature of political alliances in the state.

The situation in Rivers remains fluid, with expectations that the coming months will determine the long-term direction of the state’s political landscape.