Rivers Crisis: List of Governors Who Opposed Tinubu’s Suspension of Fubara

• President Bola Tinubu's suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers over the political crisis rocking the oil-rich state has continued to generate reactions
• The crisis, in which the two key players are Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, peaked on March 18, when the president announced a state of emergency
• The Nigerian President's action has been kicked against by different stakeholders, including at least two governors, who have argued against his recent declaration

Port Harcourt, Rivers - The political crisis rocking Rivers State led to the declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Tension between the governor and his predecessor, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, started six months after the former resumed the state office of leadership.

Wike and Fubara have been said to be fighting over the control of the political structure in the state. This development saw the majority of lawmakers making moves to impeach the current State Governor.

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Can state of emergency be declared in Rivers without suspending Fubara, lawmaker? Lawyer reacts

Following the burning of pipelines in the state, President Tinubu announced the suspension of the governor and the lawmakers. This action has been criticised by concerned Nigerians, including some governors.

Below is the list of the governors who have criticised the President for declaring a state of emergency and the suspension of Rivers lawmakers.

Governors who opposed Tinubu's suspension of Fubara

Seyi Makinde of Oyo

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was one of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who have publicly criticised the suspension of Governor Fubara, adding that irrespective of loyalty, the virtue of democracy must be protected and that the action of the President was unconstitutional.

Makinde also hinted that the governors elected on the PDP platform would be challenging the suspension of their colleague, Fubara, at the Supreme Court.

Bala Mohammed of Bauchi

The Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, has vehemently criticised President Tinubu's suspension of Fubara. He condemned the faulting of the colleague and the President, not mentioning the FCT minister.

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Meanwhile, Governor Bala criticised Tinubu while speaking on behalf of the 12 governors of the PDP. The governors also called for the immediate reversal of the order while raising the suspicion that the president was playing politics with his decision.

Rivers crisis: Lawyer reacts to Tinubu's declaration

Titilope Anifowoshe, a legal practitioner, in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng explained that the suspension was necessary because any instability in Rivers would lead to instability in Nigeria's economy. She said:

"Rivers State holds immense significance as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Its vast contributions to the nation's crude oil and natural gas reserves make it an economic linchpin. Without the smooth operation of Rivers State, Nigeria's economic stability is at risk."

Rivers Crisis: Analyst speaks on path to peace

A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has weighed in on the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers state, highlighting a key step towards resolution.

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Ojo, speaking with Legit.ng, emphasised that a major part of the reconciliation process would involve a consensus on the timing of local government elections since the Supreme Court nullified the previously held exercise.

"Part of the reconciliation will have to do with joint agreement on when the next round of local government elections should be held," he said.

He further stressed the importance of legislative involvement in the process.

"They should carry the assembly along. If they can reach an agreement on that, it will be the beginning of the end of the crisis," Ojo added.

Sins of Fubara that Tinubu mentioned

Legit.ng also previously reported that President Bola Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy and the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In a nationwide broadcast on March 18, 2025, the President pointed out three times the suspended governor allegedly abused the rule of law.

The President also recalled that he had made efforts to ensure a lasting peace in Rivers but the parties involved had refused to comply.

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“Tinubu would have resisted suspension as gov, Fubara should fight,” ex-Presidential aide speaks

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a political analyst for this report.

Source: Legit.ng