“Fubara May Have the Title, But He Doesn’t Govern Rivers State — Power Has Shifted” – Tonye Cole

Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2023 elections in Rivers State, has strongly criticised the recent face-off between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state House of Assembly, describing it as a “declaration of war.” Cole reacted to the incident in which Governor Fubara was denied access to the legislative quarters by lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike.

The governor had arrived at the quarters on Wednesday to re-present the 2025 budget, following the February 28 Supreme Court ruling that validated the Assembly’s demands. Despite notifying the House leadership and sharing an official letter from the government, the governor was locked out, prompting condemnation from several quarters.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Cole said the lawmakers’ actions were a clear message to Fubara that he only holds the title of governor without real control over the state’s affairs. He warned that the ongoing political power tussle would have damaging effects on governance and deter investment in the state.

“What you are seeing today is pure power play, and at the end of the day, the people suffer, Rivers State suffers,” Cole said. “We’re not going to get any investment coming into Rivers State at this point. The governor being locked out is purely a statement being made to him — that he may have the title of governor, but he doesn’t govern this state. The power has shifted, and that’s what’s being said loudly and clearly.”

Cole, who is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Sahara Group, expressed concern over the implications of the crisis for the state’s future. “It doesn’t portend well for us, indeed. And it doesn’t look good at all,” he concluded.