Stakeholders react to comments on Rivers political crisis
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have strongly condemned recent statements made by the former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, regarding the political identity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
During a high-stakes press briefing on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, various political actors described Fayose’s remarks as a “deliberate distraction” aimed at muddying the waters of Rivers State politics. The controversy stems from claims that the Governor might be seeking a “political lifeline” through an affiliation with the ruling party at the center.
The APC leadership in Rivers State maintained that Siminalayi Fubara remains a staunch member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has not formally approached the party for a defection. They argued that the Governor is currently preoccupied with managing the internal crisis within his own party and the state legislature. The party cautioned external influencers against making inflammatory statements that could further heat up the polity in the Niger Delta region.
Representatives of the CSOs noted that the focus of the public should be on governance and the restoration of peace rather than speculative political realignments. They expressed concern that the continuous meddling of former governors from outside the state is hindering the progress of reconciliation efforts initiated by various elder statesmen. The coalition urged all parties involved to prioritize the interests of the people of Rivers State over personal political scores.
Criticism trails Fayose over interference in Rivers affairs
Ayo Fayose has faced a wave of criticism for his recent media outings where he questioned the leadership style and the political future of Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Many observers believe that the former Ekiti Governor is acting as a proxy for other interests involved in the ongoing battle for the control of the state’s resources. Critics argued that Fayose lacks the moral standing to lecture a sitting governor on “ingratitude” or political loyalty given his own turbulent history in the PDP.
The APC’s national leadership also distanced itself from the narrative that it is “begging” or “lobbying” the Governor to dump his current platform. They clarified that the doors of the APC are open to all Nigerians, but such transitions must follow constitutional procedures and not be based on hearsay. The party’s spokesperson emphasized that they are focused on their own internal growth and preparing for the 2027 general elections.
In a swift rebuttal, supporters of the Governor described Fayose’s comments as “the rants of a political jobber” seeking relevance in the new administration. They insisted that Siminalayi Fubara has demonstrated enough courage to stand his ground against those who wish to treat the state as a private estate. The “Obidient” movement and other youth groups in the state have also pledged their solidarity with the Governor, warning that any attempt to destabilize his administration would be met with stiff resistance.
Calls for a permanent resolution to the legislative row
The core of the crisis remains the rift between the Governor and the Rivers State House of Assembly, which has led to a series of legal battles and administrative delays. Civil society groups have called for the immediate implementation of the peace accords previously signed to prevent a total breakdown of law and order. They argued that the constant bickering over “political status” is a secondary issue compared to the functionality of the state’s legislative arm.
There are fears that if the crisis is not resolved, it could affect the delivery of key infrastructure projects and the disbursement of local government funds. Experts in constitutional law have suggested that the Supreme Court might need to provide a final interpretation on the status of the defecting lawmakers to clear the air. Until then, the political atmosphere in Port Harcourt remains tense, with both factions claiming to act in the best interest of the state.
As the 2026 political calendar unfolds, the influence of external actors like Nyesom Wike and Ayo Fayose continues to be a major talking point. The APC has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful democratic process, urging all stakeholders to respect the autonomy of the Rivers State government. For the average resident, the hope is that the leaders will find a common ground to ensure that the “Garden City” does not return to the days of political violence and uncertainty.
Economic impact of the prolonged political stalemate
Economic analysts have warned that the persistent political instability in Rivers State is beginning to take a toll on investor confidence in the oil and gas sector. They noted that the state is a critical hub for the national economy, and any prolonged friction between the executive and the legislature could lead to a decline in internally generated revenue. Some multinational companies have reportedly put their expansion plans on hold while they monitor the security situation.
The state’s business community has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene more decisively to end the stalemate before it spirals out of control. They argued that the “political games” being played by the elites are hurting the small businesses that depend on a stable environment to thrive. The call for a “middle ground” is gaining momentum as more groups realize that neither side can win a total victory without significantly damaging the state’s prospects.
For now, Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to carry out his executive duties, while his detractors remain vocal in their opposition. The rejection of Fayose’s claims by the APC and CSOs serves as a reminder that the path to peace requires more than just political rhetoric. It requires a genuine commitment to the rule of law and the respect for the democratic mandates of all elected officials.
