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Public affairs analyst, Celestine Akpobari, has accused Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of abandoning the people who stood by him during his political battle with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his decision to step aside from the 2027 governorship race and endorse Representative Kingsley Chinda.
Akpobari described the governor’s move as political suicide, arguing that Fubara had betrayed the supporters who defended him throughout the prolonged political crisis in Rivers State.
Speaking on Arise News on Sunday, the analyst said the governor’s decision could destroy his political relevance in the state, insisting that those who supported him expected him to remain committed to their political cause.
“What Simi has done is to commit suicide politically. He has thrown a bomb on himself in the name of calling Mahogany Mahogany. That shouldn’t be,” he said.
Akpobari, however, acknowledged Fubara’s performance in office, particularly his ability to execute projects despite the political turmoil that characterised his administration.
“Even in the midst of the crisis, Governor Simi was doing well. The project, nobody would have even carried out some of the projects that he gave us in the midst of the crisis. That shows that he has some guts,” he said.
He faulted the governor for stepping aside after his supporters had invested so much in defending him, comparing the decision to a driver who abandons passengers in the middle of a journey.
“But to the extent that, you know, you are driving people, you are the driver in the middle of the road, you abandon the people, walk out of the bus, leave the people there at the centre of nowhere, and take another flight and abandon them. That’s what he just did. He disappointed almost every person in River State,” Akpobari said.
The analyst argued that Fubara’s previous achievements might no longer carry much political weight because of the resentment his latest decision had generated among his supporters.
“So, whatever good is that he has given to Rivers people, we don’t see it as anything. I would have wished that he was removed from the office and to stop this nonsense that he has just done. And I think that his political career is nowhere anymore,” he said.
Akpobari also dismissed the prospect of Fubara securing another electoral victory in Rivers State, claiming that voters would reject him if he contested any future election.
“Yes, he’s finished politically. But they will give him an appointment. But if he contests any election in this state, even as a conference team, they will not vote for him,” he said.
He added that the governor’s decision had left those who supported him during his confrontation with Wike angry and disappointed.
“It’s very unfortunate that one of our best has been turned into a vegetable and we are angry,” Akpobari said.
