Awaji-Inombek Abiante Calls For Restoration Of Rivers State Governor Amid Political Turmoil

Lawmaker Urges Immediate Restoration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Listen up, folks. This is a story that matters. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, the respected representative of Andoni/Opobo/Mkoro Federal Constituency in Rivers State, has stepped up to the plate and called on President Bola Tinubu to bring Governor Siminalayi Fubara back to office—before the six-month emergency rule comes to an end. This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a call for stability in one of Nigeria’s most important states.

Naija News has been following the story closely. Abiante isn’t just asking for Fubara’s reinstatement. He’s also urging the president to tap into the wisdom of the National Peace Committee, led by the former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, to act as mediators. This is about more than just politics—it’s about finding common ground and resolving the deep-rooted turmoil that has gripped the state.

Emergency Rule: The Backstory

Let me break it down for you. On March 18, 2025, President Tinubu went on national TV and declared a state of emergency in Rivers State. That decision effectively suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and every member of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The president didn’t stop there. He appointed retired naval chief, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as the sole administrator of the state for the next six months. This move sent shockwaves through the political landscape, sparking both praise and criticism.

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President Tinubu justified his bold move by pointing to Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. He argued that the escalating political chaos in Rivers demanded immediate action. The National Assembly backed him with a voice vote, but let’s be honest—this decision hasn’t been without controversy. Prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and respected organizations like PANDEF and the Nigerian Bar Association have all spoken out against it.

Abiante Challenges the Decision

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Abiante took to Channels Television’s Inside Sources on Sunday to voice his concerns. He didn’t hold back. He questioned the validity of the intelligence reports that the president relied on to justify the emergency declaration. He pointed out glaring inconsistencies, like the claim that the Rivers State House of Assembly chambers were destroyed and that Fubara had failed to rebuild them. Guess what? Construction had already begun under Fubara’s leadership.

Abiante dropped a bombshell when he said, “That is to tell us that it is either the intelligence that was relied upon may have been rigged. If in this country we could rig intelligence to the president, are we not in danger?” That’s a bold statement, and it raises serious questions about the integrity of the decision-making process.

Why the National Peace Committee Should Step In

Abiante believes the solution lies in dialogue. He suggests that the National Peace Committee, with its esteemed members like Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad III, should step in and mediate. This isn’t just about Rivers—it’s about the bigger picture. He emphasized, “It would be wrong to allow this thing to fester; it would even be very wrong to allow it to get to that six months because you will begin to play Nigerians against fellow Nigerians.”

He warned that the ongoing crisis could deepen divisions among Nigerians, especially given Rivers State’s significant contribution to the nation’s economy. Abiante also criticized the political maneuvering surrounding the state’s resources, saying, “On the streets of Port Harcourt, what is being discussed is that it is the fight to grab the resources of Rivers State.” This isn’t just about politics—it’s about greed.

A Call to Remember the People’s Voice

Abiante reminded President Tinubu of something crucial: Rivers State played a key role in his election victory. He said, “Mr. president should also understand that he also got some votes from Rivers State; it was not just one vote.” He cautioned that undermining the people of Rivers could have serious political consequences. Resistance from the people will eventually translate into political fallout.

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In conclusion, Abiante called for a national dialogue that prioritizes the welfare and interests of the people. He emphasized that the conflict in Rivers State should not be allowed to escalate further. This isn’t just about one state—it’s about the future of Nigeria as a whole. Let’s hope that cooler heads prevail and that the path forward is one of unity and progress.