Political Crisis: Why Governor Fubara Chose Peace Over Power in Rivers Emergency Rule

By: Abudu Olalekan

The tension was thick. The stakes? Higher than ever.

For six months, Rivers State burned with political drama – impeachment plots, assembly arson, bitter rivalries. Then came the hammer: President Tinubu declared emergency rule.

Governor Sim Fubara could’ve fought it. His supporters begged him to. But he didn’t.

Why?

“Peace was worth more than pride,” Fubara confessed during his first broadcast after returning to power.

The Homecoming
Friday noon. Port Harcourt Airport.

The governor’s plane touched down to cheering crowds – former commissioners, ex-lawmakers, loyalists who’d stood by him through the chaos. Noticeably absent? Any Wike allies.

This wasn’t just a return. It was a statement.

Behind the Crisis
The feud between Fubara and his predecessor-turned-foe Nyesom Wike had turned Rivers into a political warzone:

A divided Assembly
Impeachment threats
Government buildings torched
When Tinubu intervened with a peace deal, it collapsed faster than a card house in harmattan.

Then came the emergency rule – six months of suspended democracy under a retired naval chief.

The Governor’s Gamble
Fubara’s supporters wanted a legal battle. He chose silence over showdown.

“Challenging it would’ve meant more chaos,” he admitted. “Sometimes leadership means swallowing bitter pills.”

The move shocked many. But here’s what they missed:

Tinubu’s backing was crucial for survival
A prolonged crisis would’ve crippled governance
Rivers needed stability, not more drama

Assembly Strikes First
Within 24 hours of resuming, the legislature fired warning shots:

Demanded commissioner nominees immediately
Ordered budget submission
Vowed to audit emergency rule spending
Speaker Amaewhule’s message was clear: “We’re watching.”

The Fragile Peace
Fubara claims the warring factions have “buried the hatchet.” But Rivers people aren’t naive.

“Let’s see how long this lasts,” muttered a civil servant outside Government House.

The governor knows skepticism runs deep:

“To those still doubting – I get it. But this peace is real. And we’ll make it work.”

His priorities now?

Restarting stalled projects
Healing political divisions
Proving governance isn’t dead

What Really Changed?
The emergency rule lifted. The players returned. But beneath the surface:

✅ Fubara – Still governor, but politically bruised
✅ Wike – Retains influence as FCT minister
✅ Assembly – Divided loyalties remain

One airport welcome showed the truth: This isn’t over. Just on pause.