Rivers: Fubara Makes 1st Public Appearance Days After Suspension by Tinubu, Photo, Location Surface

• Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state, has made his first public appearance after his suspension from office
• Fubara was seen attending a church service on Sunday, March 23, at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt
• Fubara's appearance comes days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, March 18, citing political tensions and security concerns

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics and governance in Nigeria.

Port Harcourt, Rivers state - Siminalayi Fubara, the suspended governor of Rivers state, made his first public appearance on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

As reported by Vanguard newspaper, this comes five days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state and suspended him temporarily from office.

Fubara attended a special prayer, worship, and thanksgiving service at the Salvation Ministries headquarters in the government reservation area (GRA), Port Harcourt.

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Rivers emergency rule: Fubara’s aide gives fresh update on suspended governor

The embattled governor's presence dispelled speculation that he had relocated to neighbouring Bayelsa state. It also confirms that he is safe, contrary to an alarm raised by a political stakeholder who feared for his life.

Some prominent figures who attended the service alongside Fubara include Edison Ehie (chief of staff), Senator John Azuta Mbata (former senate president pro-tempore and president-general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide), Mike Elechi, David Briggs, and Israel Abosi (former Ikwerre local government area chairman).

Fubara's latest picture can be seen below:

Rivers: Fubara grateful amid challenges

Speaking at the service, Fubara expressed gratitude to God for His love, mercy, and unwavering support amid the ongoing political challenges in the state.

A special prayer session was also held for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain after the service.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich south-southern state on Tuesday, March 18, citing the lingering political crisis.

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Apart from Fubara, the president also suspended Deputy Governor Odu, and all the House of Assembly members for an initial six months. In their place, the president appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired Vice admiral as the sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months.

The presidential proclamation triggered national attention as many commenters objected to Tinubu's action.

Prof Oladosu backs Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers

Meanwhile, Profesor Muda Suraj Oladosu of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU), described the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers as a necessary step to restore order amid the escalating political crisis in the state.

Speaking exclusively with Legit.ng, Prof. Oladosu emphasised that the decision is crucial to prevent further chaos and ensure the stability of governance in Rivers.

He told Legit.ng:

"The president had taken the right step, and the situation in Rivers state had calmed as we all can see. So, if anybody is saying the president has not done the right thing, let them go to court, because when the situation was between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the president turned a deaf ear. But when it became an issue of national interest, bombing the national pipe, it has become a matter for the president to react. Why are people not looking at it from that angle?"

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“How Akpabio silenced lawmakers who opposed Tinubu’s emergency rule,” PDP senator speaks

Read more on the Rivers state political crisis:

• Rivers: 6 times presidents have declared state of emergency in Nigerian states
• NBA sends notable message to Fubara amid political battle in Rivers with Wike
• Tinubu's suspension of Fubara: Nigeria governors' forum finally reacts
• Rivers: Primate Ayodele sends strong message to Tinubu over Nyesom Wike amid Governor Fubara’s suspension

Rivers: Tinubu's govt deploys 10,000 troops

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Tinubu government deployed 10,000 Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel to Rivers state.

Afolabi Babawale, NSCDC spokesperson, confirmed the deployment. According to him, his colleagues were tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and preventing pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta area of the most populous black nation on Earth.

Source: Legit.ng