"I Won't Back Down": Fubara's Defiant Stand as Rivers State Burns

Two years in, and the drama is far from over

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If Nigerian politics were a Nollywood blockbuster, the Rivers State saga would be the most-watched series of 2025. And at the center of it all? Governor Siminalayi Fubara – a man who refuses to bow, even with the entire political establishment breathing down his neck.

On May 29th, marking exactly two years since he took the oath of office, the suspended governor delivered what can only be described as a political masterclass in defiance. Standing firm despite being shown the exit door by President Tinubu's emergency declaration, Fubara's message was crystal clear: "I'm not going anywhere."

The Mandate That Started It All

"On May 29, 2023, I was sworn in following the clear and overwhelming mandate you gave me during the March 18, 2023 elections," Fubara declared, his voice carrying the weight of a man who believes his legitimacy comes from the people, not from Abuja's corridors of power.

But here's where it gets interesting – and messy.

The governor who was once the golden boy of Rivers politics now finds himself in an epic showdown with his former political godfather, Nyesom Wike. The same Wike who handed him the governorship keys is now wielding significant influence as FCT Minister, and let's just say their relationship status has gone from "father and son" to "it's complicated."

When Politics Gets Personal

The Fubara-Wike rift isn't just your typical political disagreement – it's personal, it's messy, and it's torn Rivers State apart. The fallout was so severe that it literally broke the state House of Assembly, with lawmakers choosing sides like kids picking teams for football.

Enter President Bola Tinubu with the nuclear option: a six-month state of emergency declared in March 2025. Just like that, Fubara, his deputy, and the entire legislature were shown the door. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas stepped in as Sole Administrator, and Rivers State officially became a federal project.

But if Tinubu thought this would silence Fubara, he clearly doesn't know the man.

The Unyielding Governor

"Despite the turbulence, I have remained steadfast and focused, guided by the oath I took and the solemn promise I made to always put Rivers State first," Fubara stated with the confidence of a man who sleeps well at night.

This isn't just political rhetoric – it's a direct challenge to the powers that be. In a country where political godfathers can make or break careers with a phone call, Fubara is essentially saying: "Try me."

Peace Talks or Power Play?

Recently, the estranged political father and son met face-to-face, with Wike extending an olive branch and referring to Fubara as his "son." Sweet, right? But in Nigerian politics, peace meetings often come with more strings attached than a puppet show.

Wike's gesture, while publicly conciliatory, raises questions: Is this genuine reconciliation, or a strategic move to maintain relevance in Rivers politics? Only time will tell.

What This Means for Rivers People

While the big boys play their political chess, ordinary Rivers citizens are caught in the crossfire. The state that should be focused on development and good governance is instead making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Fubara's promise remains unwavering: "I pledged to protect and promote our collective interests and ensure you enjoy the real dividends of democracy and good governance. That commitment remains unshaken."

Bold words from a suspended governor. But in a state where political drama has become the main export, perhaps bold is exactly what Rivers needs.

The Road Ahead

As Vice Admiral Ibas oversees the state's affairs under federal supervision, the big question remains: What happens when the emergency period ends? Will Fubara return to reclaim his mandate, or has this political earthquake permanently shifted the landscape?

One thing is certain – this story is far from over. In a state where politics is blood sport and loyalty is as fluid as the Niger Delta creeks, Fubara's defiant stand represents something bigger: the audacity to believe that the people's mandate trumps political convenience.

Whether he succeeds or fails, history will remember the governor who refused to kneel.

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What do you think? Is Fubara fighting for democracy or just being stubborn? Drop your thoughts below and don't forget to follow @OneNaijaBoyNG across all social media platforms for more raw, unfiltered takes on Nigerian politics that matter to you.

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