By Ismaeel Aleem
Ayodele Arise, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ekiti State, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara and impose a state of emergency in Rivers State, arguing it averted a looming crisis.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Arise dismissed opposition criticisms, asserting that Tinubu’s actions restored stability in the state.
The six-month emergency rule, invoked under Section 305 of the Constitution in March 2025, followed a bitter feud between Fubara and loyalists of Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.Senator
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The conflict, marked by impeachment threats, budgetary blockades, and violent clashes, prompted Tinubu to suspend the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers, appointing Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas (retd.) as sole administrator.
The emergency rule was lifted on September 17, with Fubara reinstated, describing the truce as a “turning point for stability” and acknowledging Wike as “our leader.”
Arise praised Tinubu’s intervention, stating, “The situation in Rivers State was almost getting out of hand. The President would have failed in his responsibility if he didn’t take action.”
He highlighted the risk of violence driving away oil industry workers and residents, emphasising that Tinubu’s decision ensured peace.
While admitting he was not privy to the details of the peace deal, Arise credited the president for preventing chaos.
Dismissing claims that Rivers voters would reject Tinubu in 2027 over the emergency rule, Arise expressed confidence in the president’s re-election prospects.
He argued that Fubara, like other Niger Delta governors, would support Tinubu’s second-term bid. “Why will Fubara not identify with him? Even if he doesn’t, Wike will still defeat him in an election,” Arise said.
He noted that Wike’s influence over Rivers’ political structures, including local government chairmen and APC victories in most local councils.
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He also highlighted Wike’s appointments of Rivers indigenes to federal positions, strengthening grassroots support.
Arise, a former Ekiti North Senator (2007–2011), predicted that Tinubu’s strategic alliances and Wike’s political machinery would secure Rivers for the APC in 2027, ensuring the president’s continued leadership.
