Tinubu praises Fubara for maintaining peace during Rivers political crisis

President Bola Tinubu commended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara for maintaining peace and stability during the state’s recent political crisis.

Tinubu praised Fubara on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt, acknowledging his maturity and respect for political elders’ intervention.

The President said he had intervened during the crisis and appreciated the governor for respecting the position of those who worked to resolve the dispute.

“I want to thank you specifically for your maturity, understanding, and respect for the wisdom of elders. When we intervened, you respected our position and maintained peace,” Tinubu said.

Describing Fubara as a committed democrat, the President assured him that he would not regret his decision to maintain peace.

“You are a committed democrat, Fubara. You will not regret what you have done, for as long as all of us are alive,” he added.

The Rivers State political crisis erupted in 2023 following a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The dispute triggered a prolonged confrontation between the governor and lawmakers loyal to Wike, resulting in divisions in the Rivers State House of Assembly and political tensions across the state.

In March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing the prolonged political crisis and security concerns. The declaration led to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the state House of Assembly for six months, with retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appointed as administrator.