Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has stated that there is no legal directive mandating Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State governor, to return to office immediately, following the end of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, Wike dismissed concerns surrounding Fubara’s continued absence since his reinstatement.
“I’m not in charge of his schedule,” Wike said. “There’s no law that compels him to return to the office today.
“He’s the governor. Just because someone is sworn in doesn’t mean they must resume office the very next day.”
He noted, “You don’t know what his plans are or where he is. Governance isn’t confined to being physically present in an office.”
When asked again about Fubara’s whereabouts, Wike retorted, “I’m neither his chief security officer nor his protocol aide.”
To recall, President Bola Tinubu had, on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amid a prolonged political crisis between Governor Fubara and lawmakers aligned with Wike.
Following the declaration, Tinubu suspended the governor, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and members of the House of Assembly for six months, appointing retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the sole administrator of the state.
The move drew mixed reactions. While many criticized it as unconstitutional, others defended it as a practical response to a tense political standoff.
Governor Fubara met with President Tinubu on June 3 in Lagos, marking their second private meeting since the suspension. He also reunited with Wike, signaling a thaw in their strained relationship by attending joint events.
Wike later confirmed that the dispute between him and Fubara had been settled.
On Wednesday, President Tinubu officially lifted the state of emergency and directed Fubara, along with his deputy and the lawmakers, to resume their official duties on Thursday, September 18.
