Rivers: ‘Fubara just governor by title, power has shifted’ – Tonye Cole

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State in the 2023 general elections, Tonye Cole, has described as a declaration of war, the locking out of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the state assembly.

Cole, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Sahara Group, said the lawmakers, by their action, were indirectly telling the governor he had no powers.

Cole, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said the action of the lawmakers would only make the people bleed, noting that no investment would come to the state at this point.

Newspot reported that Governor Fubara was locked out of the legislative quarters of the Rivers Assembly on Wednesday upon his arrival to re-represent the 2025 Budget as demanded by the 27 lawmakers led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule after the epic verdict of the Supreme Court on February 28, 2025.

Amaewhule and over 20 lawmakers are known to be loyal to Nyesom Wike.

The governor, who addressed reporters at the quarters, said he communicated his plan to be at the quarters to Amaewhule.

Also, the Rivers State Government shared a letter notifying the House of the governor’s visit.

Speaking on Arise Television, Cole said, “I’m looking forward to the day when we will be called to come and discuss progress in Rivers State, how Rivers State has turned into an economic Mecca. and everyone is coming and businesses are coming.

“What you are seeing today is pure power play, and at the end of the day, the people suffer, River State suffers.

“We’re not going to get any investment coming into Rivers State at this point.

“So, the governor being locked out is purely a statement being made to him that, yeah, you may have the title of Governor but he doesn’t govern this State.

“The power has shifted, and that’s what’s been said loudly and clearly. And I don’t think it’s good. It doesn’t portend well for us, indeed. And it doesn’t look good at all.”