Fubara commissioners absent 10 days after resumption

Ten days after he was reinstated following the end of the emergency rule in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is yet to make key appointments.

Fubara was suspended from office on March 18, 2025, by President Bola Tinubu amid a deepening political crisis stemming from his power struggle with his predecessor and godfather, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspension was part of a broader declaration of a state of emergency in the state, which also affected Fubara’s deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, paralyzing democratic governance and halting legislative functions.

Tinubu justified the move as necessary to resolve the constitutional impasse that had brought state administration to a standstill, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator to oversee operations for an initial six months.

The decision sparked widespread outrage, with opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar labeling it unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent for federal overreach, but Tinubu stood his ground.

Fubara was reinstated on September 18, 2025, exactly six months after his suspension, as the emergency period expired, allowing him, his deputy, and the assembly members to resume their roles.

Recall that the immediate past administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), a few days after assumption of office, suspended all commissioners appointed by Governor Fubara

Also suspended by Ibas were Special Advisers and Personal Assistants to the Governor.

But since the exit of Ibas and Governor Fubara’s return, expectations have heightened from many in the state, including indigenes and residents, as to why he has yet to make key appointments.

Also, political associates of the governor have their fates hanging in the balance, with many of them wondering if Fubara has forgotten them.