Rivers people deserve clarity on Fubara’s deal with Tinubu – Ann-Kio Briggs

Niger Delta rights advocate, Ann-Kio Briggs, has called on the people of Rivers State to be informed about the terms of the agreement between Governor Siminilayi Fubara and President Bola Tinubu, especially with the six-month emergency rule now concluded in the state.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Briggs emphasized that without transparency, Fubara risks losing credibility with the people of Rivers. She warned that a lack of accountability would lead to growing doubts among the residents.

“We can’t accept that politicians make deals over our heads; it’s like shaving someone’s head behind their back,” Briggs remarked.

She added that the riverine people, who have already borne the brunt of much adversity, deserve to know the details of decisions that directly affect them.

“We don’t know what the President insisted on, we don’t know what was agreed upon, and we don’t know what that means for us. It’s vital that we understand what was decided,” Briggs said.

The activist also joined the chorus of voices demanding that retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the former sole administrator during the emergency rule, account for the state funds spent during his tenure.

“Those funds belong to the people, and they deserve to know how they were spent,” she added.

Fubara returned to office on September 17, 2025, after the end of the emergency rule, amid celebrations from his supporters.

The governor, along with his deputy Ngozi Odu and the Assembly members, had been suspended by President Tinubu on March 18, 2025, following the declaration of a state of emergency due to political unrest. Ibas, the appointed administrator, handed over the reins last Wednesday.

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