Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara was captured on camera earlier today at Frankfurt Airport, Germany, marking his first public appearance abroad since the political disruption that rocked the state last month.
The sighting was disclosed by Bernard Izunna Obimma, a Nigerian traveller who posted about the encounter on Facebook. According to Obimma, he met the embattled governor during the early hours of the morning while en route to London.
“I met with His Excellency Governor Fubara in the early hours of this morning at Frankfurt Airport,” Obimma wrote. “He struck me as a remarkably gentle, modest, and humble man.”
“During our brief conversation as we walked, I made it a point to remind him that he carries the mandate of the people of Rivers State—and that no force of the Nebuchadnezzar, however tyrannical, can override the will of the people,” he added.
“I assured him that many well-meaning Nigerians, myself included, stand firmly with him and reject his unlawful removal and the installation of an illegitimate sole administrator who governs outside the bounds of legality.”
Fubara was controversially suspended in March following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which dissolved the executive and the legislative arms of government in Rivers State under an emergency administrative arrangement. A sole administrator was subsequently appointed to oversee the state’s affairs for six months, drawing widespread backlash from political observers and civil society groups.
Despite the circumstances, Governor Fubara, in an Easter message issued Saturday, called on the people of Rivers State to remain hopeful and united as well as support the president.
“This season renews our confidence that nothing—neither hardship, nor adversity, nor even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ. In Him, we remain victorious,” the governor said.
“I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers State.”
“Therefore, I call on the good people of Rivers State to continue to support and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, while looking forward to a better tomorrow.
“Let us not lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we all desire is achievable when we act together as one people under God, committed to peace, unity, and progress.”
As of press time, the purpose of Governor Fubara’s visit to Germany or his onward destination remains unknown.
