Rivers: The Problem That Happened To Siminalayi Fubara Will Happen To Amaechi Too - Fayose Speaks

Ayodele Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State, has weighed in on the political situation in Rivers State, warning that former governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, could encounter political difficulties similar to those faced by the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Fayose made the remarks during an interview aired by TVC News on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, while discussing the complex political relationships, alliances and power structures that have continued to shape politics in Rivers State.

Reflecting on the political challenges that confronted Fubara during his tenure as governor, Fayose drew a parallel between the experiences of the incumbent and the circumstances Amaechi could face as he seeks to strengthen his political influence in the state.

“The problem that happened to Siminalayi Fubara will happen to Rotimi Amaechi too,” Fayose stated.

The former Ekiti governor’s comment suggests that he believes the political challenges in Rivers State are not necessarily limited to one individual or administration. Rather, he argued that the state’s political environment is influenced by longstanding relationships, competing interests and established political structures that can pose difficulties for even experienced politicians.

According to Fayose, political popularity and past achievements are not, by themselves, enough to guarantee success in Rivers State. He maintained that politicians must understand the dynamics of the state’s political system and carefully manage relationships with influential individuals, party structures and grassroots supporters.

He pointed to Fubara’s experience as a possible lesson for politicians who may attempt to challenge established political interests without adequately considering the strength of the structures around them.

Fayose suggested that political battles can become particularly difficult when an individual finds themselves opposed by powerful networks with strong connections at the grassroots and within political institutions

He therefore advised politicians seeking to expand their influence in Rivers State to pay close attention to the realities on the ground rather than relying solely on their personal reputation or previous political accomplishments.

The former governor also stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation and electoral strength. In his view, politicians aspiring to achieve significant influence, whether at the state or national level, need more than public recognition; they require strong relationships with voters and political structures capable of translating popularity into actual electoral support.

Fayose’s comments come amid continued political discussions over the future of Rivers State and the roles of prominent political figures who have previously governed the state. Rivers has historically been one of Nigeria’s most politically influential states, making control of its political structures a subject of intense competition.

By comparing Amaechi’s situation with Fubara’s experience, Fayose appeared to suggest that political history and established alliances could play an important role in determining the former governor’s future prospects.

He ultimately maintained that the difficulties experienced by Fubara could serve as a warning to Amaechi and other politicians seeking power in Rivers State. According to Fayose, anyone hoping to succeed in the state’s political arena must understand its unique power dynamics, cultivate grassroots support and carefully navigate the relationships that influence elections and governance.