The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn, with Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), condemning the state assembly’s decision to lock out Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Cole, a prominent APC chieftain and Co-Founder of Sahara Group, described the move as a “declaration of war,” arguing that it sends a clear message: the governor may hold the title, but he wields no real power.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday when Fubara arrived at the legislative quarters to re-present the 2025 budget, as demanded by 27 lawmakers led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule following a significant Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025. Despite notifying the assembly of his visit—confirmed by both the governor’s statements to reporters and an official letter from the state government—Fubara found himself barred from entry. Amaewhule and his faction, widely recognized as loyalists of Nyesom Wike, appear to be flexing their muscle in a deepening power struggle.
Speaking on Arise Television, Cole expressed dismay at the escalating tensions, calling it a “pure power play” that will only harm the people of Rivers State. “The action of the lawmakers would only make the people bleed,” he warned, emphasizing that the inility is driving away potential investment. “I’m looking forward to the day when we will discuss progress in Rivers State, how it has turned into an economic Mecca,” he said, lamenting that such prospects are now dim. “We’re not going to get any investment coming into Rivers State at this point.”
Cole’s critique underscores a broader concern: the assembly’s move is not just a personal affront to Fubara but a signal that power has shifted away from the governor’s office. “The governor being locked out is purely a statement being made to him that, yeah, you may have the title of Governor, but he doesn’t govern this state,” he asserted. For Cole, this doesn’t bode well for the state’s future, leaving its citizens to bear the brunt of a bitter political feud.
As Rivers State grapples with this standoff, the clash between Fubara and the Wike-aligned lawmakers continues to cast a long shadow over governance and development. The question remains: will this “war” yield any winners, or will it only deepen the suffering of the people?
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I cant believe the audacity of the Assembly! Locking out the Governor? What are they thinking?! This is pure chaos.
I think Tonye Cole has a point – locking out the governor seems extreme. Its like a reality show drama unfolding in Rivers State.
Is locking out a governor a legitimate political move or a dangerous escalation? Lets discuss! #RiversState #PoliticalTurmoil
Is locking out a governor a justified political move or a dangerous escalation? Coles words spark debate.
Can we really blame Tonye Cole for calling it a declaration of war? Lets discuss the implications and possible outcomes. 🤔
This situation in Rivers State is getting intense! Do you think the Assemblys actions were justified or too extreme? Lets discuss!