Siminalayi Fubara

Siminalayi Fubara whose full name is Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Joseph Fubara was  born on January 28, 1975, in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria, is a distinguished accountant and politician who has risen through the ranks of public service to become the 17th Governor of Rivers State. ​

Early Life and Education

Fubara hails from a family with deep roots in Opobo Town. His father, the late Joseph Fubara, was a soldier, and his mother, the late Love Fubara, was a civil servant. He is the second of five children and the first son. ​ Governor Siminalayi Fubara  is from the Ibani tribe, a sub-group of the Ijaw ethnic group in Rivers State, Nigeria. The Ibani people are primarily found in Opobo and Bonny kingdoms, known for their rich maritime history, fishing, and trading heritage.

He began his education at Opobo Primary School, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate in 1986. He proceeded to Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo, where he earned his West African School Certificate in 1992. Fubara then attended the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy. He furthered his education with a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Finance from the University of Port Harcourt, completed in 2013 and 2016, respectively. ​

Professional Career

Fubara’s career in public service commenced in 2003 when he was appointed as a classroom teacher by the Rivers State Post-Primary Schools Board, assigned to Comprehensive High School, Alesa-Eleme. In 2007, he transitioned to the Rivers State Ministry of Finance as a Senior Accountant. Demonstrating dedication and expertise, he ascended through various roles: Principal Accountant, Chief Accountant, Assistant Director, Deputy Director, and Director. In 2020, he was appointed Permanent Secretary and subsequently elevated to Accountant-General of Rivers State in December 2020. ​

Political Career

Fubara’s political journey gained momentum when he clinched the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket for Rivers State in May 2022, securing 721 votes to defeat 16 other contenders. Despite being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in May 2022 over allegations of a ₦435 billion fraud, Fubara maintained his innocence and continued his campaign. He was also implicated in a ₦117 billion fraud case alongside four other Rivers State government officials, facing charges of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and abuse of office.

Undeterred by these controversies, Fubara won the 2023 gubernatorial election, succeeding Ezenwo Nyesom Wike as the Governor of Rivers State. His administration has prioritized infrastructural development, economic growth, and improving the standard of living for residents. Notably, he signed a ₦195.3 billion contract with Julius Berger for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, aiming to decongest traffic in the city by connecting six local government areas.

Personal Life

Fubara is married to Valerie Ibiere Fubara, known for her philanthropic endeavors and advocacy on social issues, particularly child development and combating child labor in Rivers State. The couple is blessed with three sons. He holds the traditional title of Amaopu-Senibo of Opobo Kingdom and is a Knight of St. Christopher (KSC) in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

Associations and Controversies Involving Igbo Personalities

While Fubara’s political and professional networks are extensive, specific associations or controversies involving prominent Igbo individuals are not well-documented in available sources. His collaborations have primarily been within the context of his roles in Rivers State’s civil service and political landscape.​

Recent Developments

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state legislators due to an unmanaged crisis in the state. Details of the crisis and subsequent developments remain a focal point in Nigerian political discourse.​Wikipedia

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Tenure and the Political Crisis in Rivers State​

In March 2025, Rivers State, a pivotal region in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, was thrust into political turmoil culminating in a state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. This unprecedented move resulted in the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state legislature for six months. The crisis was rooted in escalating tensions between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alongside issues of pipeline vandalism and legislative disputes.​AP NewsReuters+2Sahara Reporters+2AP News+2

Genesis of the Conflict

Governor Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023, was initially supported by Wike during the gubernatorial elections. However, their relationship deteriorated as Fubara sought to assert his independence, leading to a power struggle within the state’s political landscape. Wike, wielding significant influence, backed a faction within the Rivers State House of Assembly, creating a divide that hampered legislative processes. ​

Legislative Turmoil and Impeachment Attempts

The discord intensified when 27 lawmakers, loyal to Wike, defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in December 2023, citing internal party disputes and a loss of confidence in the PDP leadership. This mass defection left Governor Fubara with diminished legislative support, hindering his governance. Subsequently, these lawmakers initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, accusing him of illegal budget presentations and unconstitutional actions concerning the assembly’s composition.

Pipeline Vandalism and Security Concerns

Amidst the political unrest, Rivers State experienced a surge in pipeline vandalism, notably a fire on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a critical conduit for Nigeria’s oil exports. Militant groups, allegedly aligned with political factions, were implicated in these acts. President Tinubu criticized Governor Fubara for his inaction in addressing these security threats, stating that militants had threatened violence against perceived adversaries of the governor, without any disavowal from Fubara.

Declaration of State of Emergency

Citing the escalating violence, legislative paralysis, and economic sabotage, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025. This action suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and all state legislators for six months. Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as the military administrator to restore order. The judiciary was exempted from this suspension to maintain legal continuity. ​

Reactions and Implications

The Nigerian Bar Association condemned the suspension of elected officials as unconstitutional, emphasizing that a state of emergency does not dissolve elected governments. Political analysts highlighted the necessity of involving both Wike and Fubara in any reconciliation efforts, acknowledging their pivotal roles in the state’s stability.

This crisis underscores the intricate interplay between political allegiance and governance in Nigeria, with Rivers State’s situation serving as a critical case study in managing intra-party conflicts and their broader implications on state stability.

Conclusion

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s trajectory from a humble beginning in Opobo Town to the governorship of Rivers State epitomizes resilience and dedication. Despite facing legal challenges and political turbulence, his commitment to the development of Rivers State remains unwavering. As his tenure progresses, the outcomes of his policies and the resolution of ongoing controversies will significantly impact the state’s future.​

References

• Naku, Dennis. “Rivers ex-accountant general Siminialayi clinches PDP gov ticket.” The Punch, May 25, 2022. https://punchng.com/rivers-ex-accountant-general-siminialayi-clinches-pdp-gov-ticket/

• Imukudo, Saviour. “Despite being declared wanted by EFCC, former Accountant-General wins Rivers PDP gov primary.”Premium Times, May 26, 2022. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/531350-despite-being-declared-wanted-by-efcc-former-accountant-general-wins-rivers-pdp-gov-primary.html

• Abanum, Allison. “Understanding the Siminialayi Fubara

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