By Pascal Ibe

A Facebook page, Agozi Commedy, on Wednesday, posted a video of the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Sliminalayi Fubara, addressing people at an occasion with the claim that the governor vowed never to handle over to a new Administrator after an Emergency Rule declaration by President Tinubu.

The caption on the video reads, “Let heaven Fall. I remain the Elected governor of River State.
I won’t hand over to the corrupt Navy Administrator you appointed
Governor Sim Fubara replies to President TInibu and Nysome Wike.

The post has generated more than 1k reactions, over 200 comments, and many shares by Facebook users.

Background

On Wednesday evening, president Tinubu declared a State Of Emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngọzi Odu, and all the lawmakers of Rivers House of Assembly for six months.

Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Étè Ibas as the Rivers State sole administrator.

Citing Section 305 of the 1999 constitution, the president noted that he decided to avert an alleged looming political crisis in the State.

Governor Fubara and Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly have been in a long dispute following their reinstatement by the Supreme Court a few weeks ago.

Verification

First, what Fubara said in the video didn’t corroborate the claim that he threatened not to hand over to the new Rivers Administrator.

In the video, Fubara said despite the ensuing political crisis against his administration and calls for resignation, Rivers people would eventually emerge stronger.

He has also urged the people to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the overall interest of the State.

When FACTWATCH Nigeria traced this video further, results indicated that the video was when Fubara spoke at the inauguration of the Palace of Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom and magnificent residential quarters for the the Eze, Levi Amos Oriebe, built and furnished by the Rivers State government at Ozuoba in Nyesom Wike’s Obi/Akpor Local Government Area on Monday, March 10, 2025.

See the full video here and here.

Reacting to the Emergency Rule on Wednesday, Fubara noted that the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu will be faced with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

He said that though there was political disagreement in the state, it did not affect governance.

Contrary to the claim, a report by Punch Newspaper confirmed that Fubara has vacated the Government House in Port Harcourt along with his family and security details.

Fubara left the seat of power on Wednesday morning, according to a close source who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to speak on the issue.

Verdict

This claim is FALSE and MISLEADING.