Awaji-Inombek Abiante, a member of the House of Representatives from Rivers State, has urged President Bola Tinubu to restore Governor Siminalayi Fubara before the six-month period of emergency rule ends. He expressed concerns that the intelligence used to declare the state of emergency might have been flawed.
During an interview on the Channels Television program Inside Sources, Abiante stressed the importance of restoring Fubara and called for engagement with the National Peace Committee, led by former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar. He believes this committee could help mediate between the conflicting parties in Rivers State.
On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months. The president appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-ete Ibas (rtd.) as the sole administrator during this time. Tinubu’s decision was based on Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as he could no longer overlook the escalating political situation in the state, supported by a controversial vote from the National Assembly.
The suspension of Fubara and other elected representatives has faced widespread condemnation from various politicians, legal experts, and organizations, including Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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Abiante pointed out inconsistencies in the accusations against Fubara, including claims that he did not work to rebuild the Rivers State Assembly chambers. “That’s not correct,” he stated, citing evidence showing that Fubara had begun construction efforts. He raised concerns about the integrity of the intelligence that justified the emergency rule, suggesting it might have been rigged. “If we could rig intelligence to the president, are we not in danger?” he asked.
Abiante called for the recovery process and emphasized the need to restore Governor Fubara as well as the importance of involving the Abdulsalami Committee in resolving the ongoing political crisis. He noted that allowing this situation to drag on could lead to further division among Nigerians, especially given Rivers State’s critical role in the nation’s economy.
“Mr. President should understand that he also received votes from Rivers State,” Abiante added. “In politics, no single person can deliver all the votes in a state.”
Moreover, policy advisor Baba Yusuf criticized the opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly for failing to challenge the emergency rule, stating that the rights of the citizens to choose their leaders have been compromised. Similarly, social commentator Dayo Akintobi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for the legislature to hold the executive accountable.
In conclusion, there is a growing demand for President Tinubu to restore Governor Fubara and to take immediate steps to address the political tensions in Rivers State throug
