01/02/2026
A SIMPLE BUT HONEST ADVICE TO HIS EXCELLENCY,
Sir Siminalayi Fubara,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR of RIVERS STATE
Your Excellency, first, we sincerely appreciate you. We acknowledge and applaud your calm disposition and your consistent efforts at maintaining peace during these very difficult moments in Rivers State. In times like this, restraint and maturity matter, and on that score, you have shown leadership.
That said, because we genuinely care about your leadership and the future of this state, we must speak the truth—respectfully but honestly.
Your Excellency, you are struggling politically, and whether you realize it or not, it is becoming increasingly obvious. In politics, communication is power, and unfortunately, your communication machinery has failed you. Your media team and information handlers, including those around the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, operate largely on the defensive. They react instead of shaping narratives. In modern politics, that is a costly mistake. Politics rewards proactive communication, not delayed explanations.
Secondly, sir, many of those parading themselves as your loyal supporters are not truly invested in your success or survival. A good number are only close to power for what they can personally gain. Resources meant for the grassroots and genuine supporters rarely get there. Worse still, many of those around you today do not have the political capacity to win a polling unit, not to talk of a ward or a local government. Your Excellency, you must urgently reassess and restructure your inner circle.
Thirdly, if you truly intend to remain governor and emerge stronger from this political crisis, then your approach must change. No leader succeeds alone. There are countless strategic ways to win political battles in Rivers State, and you certainly have the capacity to do so—but strategy matters. Politics is built on structure. You cannot govern effectively, or survive politically, without strong grassroots structures. Even opposition parties understand this.
Government is local. Power is local. Sir, instead of excessive focus on Abuja, return home and fix Rivers State politically—ward by ward, LGA by LGA. Build loyal structures, empower real stakeholders, and reconnect with the base.
Finally, Your Excellency, surround yourself with credible, courageous, and strategic advisers—not praise-singers. Be willing to take decisive actions. Leadership sometimes demands tough decisions, especially in moments like this.
This advice comes not from hatred, but from concern and belief that you can still correct the course and lead Rivers State successfully.
Respectfully.
Charles Ikiesima
1/02/2026
