The South-South Elders Forum has expressed worry over the disappearance of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara after President Bola Tinubu removed him from office on March 18, 2025.
The coordinator of the forum and Niger Delta activist, Anabs Sara-Igbe, on Thursday claimed that they have not heard from nor seen the governor since the suspension.
Sara-Igbe noted that efforts to reach the governor have proved abortive, as they have not been able to communicate with him.
Recall that on Tuesday, March 18, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State following the unabated political crisis, leading to the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State Assembly.
Sequel to the President’s declaration, Fubara, his family, and his security team vacated Government House, Port Harcourt.
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Sara-Igbe said the state is concerned as there is no update about Fubara’s whereabouts.
Meantime, the State Elders and Leaders Forum said it was disturbing for the President to portray Fubara as non-compliant with the eight-point agenda as well as the Supreme Court judgment while disregarding the misconduct of the 27 House of Assembly members and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The elders, in a statement signed by its Chairman and former Governor of Rivers State, Rufus Ada George, Vice Chairman Dr. Gabriel Toby, a former Deputy Governor of the State, and Niger Delta activist Ms. Annkio Briggs, among others, described the President’s action as misleading and unfair.
They said, “By doing so, the President has created a narrative that places the blame solely on the Governor, which is not the true position of the events. This biased perspective overlooks the role of the lawmakers, acting apparently under the influence and direction of the Minister of FCT, thus perpetuating an unjust and one-sided view of the situation.”
They argued that if Fubara and the lawmakers are facing a six-month suspension, it will be fair and just that the Minister of FCT, Wike, also faces a similar six-month suspension.
They argued that the lawmakers’ non-compliance with the President’s directive is linked to Wike’s alleged influence, as they appear to be acting at his behest.
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“This move would ensure that justice is served and that all parties involved in the unfortunate crisis are held accountable for their actions,” they stated.
They insisted that Fubara made genuine efforts to present the budget as directed within the specified period, noting that he wrote to the House through his Secretary to the State Government, but it was rejected.
They said the move was a tactical manoeuvre to discredit the government and give it a bad name to justify the imposition of a state of emergency, stating, “Unfortunately, the President’s statement has misinformed the public, creating an inaccurate narrative about the situation in Rivers State.”
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The forum, therefore, pledged its stance with the Nigerian Bar Association, Afenifere, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ijaw National Congress, and other pro-democratic organizations and individuals across the country and beyond in condemning the unconstitutional, undemocratic, and uncivilized invasion of Rivers State.
“To this end, we urge all like-minded individuals who champion good over evil to recognize that the threat to one part of Nigeria today may become a reality elsewhere in the country tomorrow. We, therefore, invite all peace-loving Nigerians to join us in this fight for social justice and political freedom.”
“Finally, we join the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in appealing for calm, orderliness, and continued peace in Rivers State. May God bless and protect Rivers State and her people.”
