Sumner Sambo Labels Governor Siminalayi Fubara a Political Letdown Amidst Rivers State Power Struggles

Sumner Sambo criticizes Rivers Governor Fubara for lacking political direction and relying on President Tinubu to counter Wike's influence in the state.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 8:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Naija News

Diminishing Political Influence in the Oil Rich State

The political standing of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has come under intense scrutiny following remarks by veteran editor Sumner Sambo. During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Sambo asserted that the governor no longer wields the significant influence expected of a leader in Nigeria’s political space. He characterized Fubara’s administration as one lacking a defined path, suggesting that the voice of the governor has ceased to carry weight in broader national discussions.

The Search for Political Direction and Party Identity

A primary point of contention raised by Sambo is Fubara’s perceived inability to define his own political party alignment amidst ongoing friction. This ambiguity has led to what Sambo describes as a state of confusion among the governor’s supporters. Without a clear ideological or organizational anchor, the political movement in Rivers State appears stagnant, leaving followers without a cohesive strategy as the administration navigates a complex web of local and federal alliances.

Strategic Reliance on Federal Intervention

Sambo claimed that Fubara is currently banking on the support of President Bola Tinubu to act as a counterweight to the political phenomenon of Nyesom Wike. The governor is reportedly pursuing an automatic ticket for his next term by attempting to galvanize support for the presidency within the southern region. This strategy involves mobilizing traditional rulers to demonstrate loyalty to the federal government, a move Sambo suggests is a calculated attempt to suppress internal opposition within the state.