Seventy days after his dramatic return from a six-month emergency rule, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, finds himself at the epicenter of a mounting governance crisis.
What began as a celebrated comeback has slowly transformed into a governance blackout, marked by unfilled appointments, vanishing political allies, and a cabinet that exists more on paper than in practice.
This Special Report examines the deepening vacuum, the mystery actors, and the silent power struggle reshaping Rivers State behind closed doors.
SECTION ONE: THE RETURN THAT RAISED MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
Governor Fubara’s re-entry into office on a chartered aircraft symbolized triumph. Yet insiders reveal that he returned with conditions attached, stemming from the peace deal that halted the prolonged political confrontation.
Multiple senior officials say these conditions may now be paralyzing decision-making.
KEY FINDING:
Fubara is reportedly constrained by political undertones from the same forces that once tried to unseat him—creating a conflict between asserting leadership and maintaining fragile peace.
SECTION TWO: A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A CABINET
At the heart of the crisis is Fubara’s failure to announce a full executive council nearly two and half months after taking back the reins.
19 Commissioners removed by the Supreme Court have not been replaced Ministries remain adrift
The Ministry of Information is without a commissioner after a sudden redeployment
No commissioner-nominee list has been transmitted to the Assembly
Permanent secretaries now run ministries—an arrangement experts warn is temporary at best and dangerous at worst.
EXPERT ANALYSIS:
Governance analyst Dr. Amadi Johnstone describes the vacuum as “a slow-motion administrative shutdown,” adding that “the absence of political heads stalls project approvals, policy decisions, and inter-agency cooperation.”
SECTION THREE: THE DISAPPEARING CHIEF OF STAFF
Perhaps the most glaring puzzle is the sudden disappearance of Chief of Staff Edison Ehie.
Once inseparable from the governor—accompanying him during his return and appearing in major events—Ehie has since vanished from public view.
WHAT WE KNOW:
Ehie was seen with Fubara immediately upon his return
Days later, he stopped appearing at state functions as Independent National Electoral Commission INEC insisted that he remains a member of Rivers State House of Assembly irrespective of the fact that he had tendered resignation letter from the legislature. This has created more confusion to the status of Ehie Edison who holds a Doctoral Law degree from Rivers State University Nkpolu Orowurokwo Port Harcourt.
No official statement has been issued regarding his status
Key insiders confirm pressure from political blocs attempting to force him out
This silence has fueled intense speculation about an internal cold war and possible rearrangement of Fubara’s inner circle.
INVESTIGATIVE LEAD:
Two top-ranking government officials told this reporter that Ehie’s fate may be tied to ongoing negotiations with factions seeking to reshape the governor’s core team.
SECTION FOUR: ASSEMBLY IN WAITING, STATE IN LIMBO
The Rivers State House of Assembly wasted no time requesting the governor’s list of commissioner-nominees after conducting its first sitting since the crisis.
But over 50 days later, the Assembly is still waiting.
Legislators privately express frustration, describing the governor’s silence as “strange and potentially destabilizing.”
Implication:
Without Commissioners: Budget implementation is delayed, New projects cannot commence, State policies remain in limbo, Donor agencies and partners cannot engage operationally.
SECTION FIVE: WHAT IS FUBARA’S STRATEGY?
As Rivers State drifts, observers are split:
Theory 1: The Governor is Buying Time
Fubara may be carefully reorganizing his political team to avoid reigniting conflict.
Theory 2: He is Operating Under Compulsion
Analysts suggest he may be walking a tightrope between asserting control and keeping peace with powerful interests.
Theory 3: Silent Power Consolidation
Some insiders claim the governor is quietly purging old influencers before unveiling a loyal, restructured cabinet.
SECTION SIX: THE STAKES FOR RIVERS STATE
While political maneuvering persists, the people of Rivers State pay the price.
Consequences Already Visible:
Administrative delays, Project stagnation, Confused civil service hierarchy, Slowed economic activities, Frustrated investors,
Growing public uncertainty
Development experts warn that if the situation persists beyond the next 30–60 days, Rivers may slip into full governance paralysis.
CONCLUSION: THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Governor Sim Fubara stands at a defining crossroads:
Will he reclaim control and stabilize his government—or will political uncertainties continue to overshadow his administration?
What happens in the next weeks will not only determine Fubara’s political legacy but also shape the future of Rivers State for years to come.
This is a developing story.
This has been a Special Investigative Report by Emeka Amaefula
