Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, may be reinstated on or before Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, following mounting pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by prominent political figures, including former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Sources close to the Presidency reveal that Jonathan has personally appealed to Tinubu, including engaging in a phone conversation, urging the president to reinstate Fubara in the spirit of Democracy Day—a national holiday commemorating the country’s return to democratic governance.
Recall that Governor Fubara was suspended on March 18, 2025, after President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. This decision followed a prolonged and escalating political feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike’s loyalists in the Rivers State House of Assembly had launched an impeachment move against Fubara, prompting the Presidency to intervene. Tinubu’s administration suspended the governor, his deputy, and several lawmakers in an effort to prevent further destabilization. Retired military officer Ibas was appointed to oversee the state’s administration during the suspension.
Initial expectations that Fubara would be reinstated on May 29—marking Tinubu’s second year in office—did not materialize. However, attention has now shifted to June 12, when the president is expected to address the nation during Democracy Day celebrations.
Sources indicate that a key announcement could be made during that broadcast, signaling Fubara’s return to office. The move would be seen as a significant gesture by the Tinubu administration towards restoring democratic norms and unity in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive states.
Also recall that in April 2025, Gov Fubara met privately with President Tinubu in London, and again in Lagos, where discussions reportedly centered on resolving the impasse in Rivers State. Following those meetings, Fubara urged his supporters to exercise restraint and refrain from attacking either Tinubu or Wike, underscoring his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
Political analysts suggest that Fubara’s potential reinstatement may be followed by a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This would mirror recent political realignments in the South-South, with governors from Delta and Akwa Ibom States already shifting allegiance.
Such a move could further weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region, where the Fubara-Wike rivalry has already created deep internal divisions.
By September 18, 2025, six months would have passed since Ibas assumed interim leadership in Rivers State. A reinstatement before then—especially on a symbolic date like Democracy Day—would send a strong signal about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order.
As Democracy Day approaches, political observers across the country are closely watching President Tinubu’s upcoming national address, which may not only redefine the future of Rivers State politics but also serve as a test of his leadership and democratic principles.
