Frankfurt, Germany – Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been sighted at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, marking his first public appearance outside Nigeria since the recent political turmoil that engulfed Rivers State last month.
The encounter was made public by Bernard Izunna Obimma, a Nigerian traveller, who shared his experience on Facebook. According to Obimma’s post, he met Governor Fubara in the early hours of the morning while both were transiting through Frankfurt Airport en route to London.
In his Facebook post, Obimma described Governor Fubara as “a remarkably gentle, modest, and humble man.” He further stated that during their brief interaction, he reminded the governor of the mandate he holds from the people of Rivers State and assured him of the support of many Nigerians against his “unlawful removal” and the appointment of an “illegitimate sole administrator.”
Obimma quoted himself as saying to the governor, “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.”
Governor Fubara’s appearance in Germany comes after his controversial suspension in March, which followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that dissolved the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State and established an emergency administrative arrangement overseen by a sole administrator for a six-month period. This development sparked widespread criticism from political observers and civil society organizations.
Despite the ongoing political complexities, Governor Fubara issued an Easter message on Saturday, urging the people of Rivers State to remain hopeful and united, while also expressing support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In his message, Governor Fubara stated, “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.” He also reiterated his “unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers State.”
He called on the people 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,” emphasizing the importance of unity and peace for the state’s progress.
As of the time of this report, the specific purpose of Governor Fubara’s trip to Germany and his subsequent destination remain undisclosed.
