Wike has dismissed rising concerns over Fubara’s absence amid leadership vaccum in Rivers State.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has played down concerns over the absence of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, following his reinstatement after six months of emergency rule.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu had in March declared a state of emergency in Rivers State at the height of the crisis between Governor Fubara and loyalists of his estranged political benefactor, Wike. The proclamation suspended Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, with former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, appointed as Sole Administrator, a move that drew heavy criticism from political observers.
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On Wednesday, Tinubu announced the expiration of the emergency rule, stating that Rivers’ prevailing situation no longer justified its continuation. He ordered Fubara, his deputy, and the lawmakers to return to their constitutional roles. While the lawmakers reconvened in Port Harcourt for plenary on Thursday, neither Fubara nor his deputy appeared in public, leaving thousands of supporters who had gathered at the Government House disappointed.
Reacting during an interview on Channels Television, Wike dismissed suggestions that Fubara was constitutionally obligated to immediately return to office.
He said:
“I am not his (Fubara’s) protocol officer. I am not his Chief Security Officer. There is no law that says he must resume work today. He is a governor. I don’t understand the way we operate. Being sworn in today does not mean I will go to the office tomorrow. Governance does not mean one must be in the office to govern.”
The FCT Minister further argued that governance is not tied to physical presence in the office, stressing that the governor has the discretion to decide when and how to resume duties.
Wike’s comments come amid mounting speculations over Fubara’s whereabouts, which remain unclear nearly 24 hours after his reinstatement.
Analysts say the governor’s prolonged absence risks deepening political uncertainty in Rivers State. “It creates the impression of an administration running on autopilot,” one political commentator told Leadership. “The state needs stability and direction after six months of suspension, but the silence from Government House is troubling.”
