Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has spoken out amid the ongoing political crisis, delivering a bold message: “No king lives forever.” His statement, made during a weekend visit to Bonny, was seen as a direct jab at his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Fubara’s remarks come months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, which led to his suspension in March. The federal government appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for six months.
Addressing his supporters, Fubara expressed firm belief in the rightness of his actions. “Everybody may not appreciate your style, but when you know what you’re doing is right, and you’re confident you can defend it even 30 years later—that’s what makes you a man,” he said.
He continued, “No king lives forever. No authority lasts forever. What matters is using your time in power to do something meaningful—something that speaks for you long after.”
Responding to criticisms, Fubara maintained that he would stay true to himself. “People accuse me of many things, but I can’t be what I’m not,” he said.
He urged his supporters to stay strong. “Sometimes, you have to lose to win. I’ve never seen myself as losing. It only hurts when you attach your whole life to things. I know that in the end, we’ll win because we’re standing on solid rock.”
Fubara has met twice with President Tinubu and Minister Wike in attempts to resolve the crisis and pursue reconciliation.
