Ikubese urges Governor Fubara to ignore political distractions and focus on governance
Former presidential aspirant urges Fubara to prioritize people over politics
Dr. Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, a former presidential aspirant and Convener of the YesWeFit Revolutionary Movement, has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to concentrate on delivering good governance rather than being influenced by political detractors or praise-singers.
In a public statement issued from Akure, the Ondo State capital, Ikubese emphasized that leadership is a responsibility to the people and not an avenue for political showmanship. He urged Governor Fubara to maintain focus and avoid being drawn into conflicts or distractions that do not serve the interest of Rivers residents.
Wike told to avoid interference in Rivers State affairs
Ikubese also directed his appeal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past governor of Rivers State. He called on Wike to step back from the state’s political affairs and allow the current administration to function independently.
According to Ikubese, continued interference from former leaders can undermine democratic progress and create unnecessary tension. “There is a time to lead and a time to let others lead. Former Governor Wike should allow peace to reign by stepping away from state politics,” he said.
This comes amid ongoing political tension in the state, with reports of factional disputes and power struggles between allies of Wike and supporters of Fubara.
Concerns over emergency rule and lack of transparency
In his statement, Ikubese also raised concerns about the period of emergency rule in Rivers State, during which Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) served as the sole administrator. He questioned the transparency of the administration during that six-month period, especially regarding the management of state resources.
“I find it curious that the sole administrator left after six months of sitting on the resources of Rivers State without properly handing over to Governor Siminalayi Fubara,” Ikubese stated.
He urged Vice Admiral Ibas to publish a comprehensive report detailing his activities during the emergency rule. This, he said, would promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance processes.
Legal clarity needed on state of emergency declarations
Ikubese further addressed the broader legal and constitutional implications of declaring a state of emergency in any part of Nigeria. While acknowledging that Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) allows for emergency declarations, he emphasized that it does not give the president unchecked powers to dismantle democratic structures.
He called for judicial intervention in ongoing legal cases, particularly those filed by seven governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are seeking to protect democratic norms and ensure the rule of law is upheld in Rivers State.
“The judiciary must act decisively and swiftly to resolve the constitutional questions surrounding this situation,” Ikubese said. “We cannot afford to erode the democratic structures we have built over the years.”
A call for peace, unity, and democratic integrity
In conclusion, Dr. Ikubese appealed to all political stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritize peace and democratic values over personal ambition. He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy remains fragile and requires responsible leadership and adherence to constitutional principles to thrive.
“As leaders, we must lead with integrity, place the people first, and allow democracy to flourish without interference or manipulation,” he said.
Ikubese’s remarks underscore growing calls for political maturity, transparency, and non-interference in governance across Nigeria, especially in states experiencing political instability.
