Fubara is only governor by title, real power has shifted says Tonye Cole amidst Rivers crisis.

Fubara is only governor by title, real power has shifted says Tonye Cole amidst Rivers crisis.

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Tonye Cole, the APC governorship candidate in Rivers state for the 2023 elections described the state assembly’s decision to lock Governor Fubara Siminalayi out as a declaration of war.

Tonye Cole, who is also the co-founder and executive director of Sahara Group stated that the lawmakers’ actions indirectly signaled that the governor had no power.

As APC Chieftain, Tonye Cole warned that the lawmakers’ actions would harm the people emphasizing that such instability would discourage investment in the state.

Recall that Governor Fubara was denied entry into the legislative quarters of the Rivers State Assembly on Wednesday when he arrived to represent the 2025 Budget. This action was taken by 27 lawmakers led by Rt.Hon. Martin Amaewhule, following the supreme court’s landmark ruling on February 28, 2025.

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

Addressing reporters at the quarters the governor stated that he had informed Amaewhule in advance about his visit.

Additionally, the Rivers State had sent a formal letter notifying the house of the governor about his 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.”