By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Governor of Siminalayi Fubara has come under heavy criticism from netizens and social media users following his decision to withdraw from the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primaries in Rivers State.
“Fubara a coward, weakling, Netizens tear Rivers Governor apart…” became the dominant tone across several social media platforms shortly after the governor announced his withdrawal from the race after what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultations.”
Many users described the governor as weak, fearful and politically overwhelmed amid the prolonged political crisis between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting online, Oluseyi David Akinboade wrote: “GEJ was better off… this one na caged head of the government of Rivers State. No peace, no progress, no charisma, no strong words, just full of fear for Wike.”
Another user, Hillary Ekemam, said the governor “has no liver,” adding that he was reminded of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Fred Igologba simply described Fubara as “a chicken,” while Chijioke Onyeogubalu called him a “coward.”
Owoedimo Etim mocked the governor, saying: “The guy is a wishy-washy fellow. He goes to a knife fight with a pencil.”
Others questioned the governor’s political capacity and strategy.
Enobong Oton wrote that Fubara was “promoted beyond his capacity,” arguing that the signs of his political troubles had long been evident.
“The inability to secure the support of at least more than a third of the House of Assembly members to keep himself in office, the rush into APC where he was not formally received and there were no guarantees of second term ticket were enough clues to the discerning,” he stated.
Another user, Areh Sunday, sarcastically described the governor as “Rivers. Temu. Timid. Governor.”
Fred Chukwuelobe called him “spineless,” while Enefiok Ndubisi Isong said: “When you talk of docility, weakness and morbid fear, Sim Fubara should come to your mind.”
Several commenters also suggested that the governor had entered the political battle unprepared.
Simeon Ogoegbulem wrote: “He who fights half-heartedly will always suffer defeat,” while Solomon Oyogho remarked that “the butterfly has finally realized that he’s not a bird.”
Another user, Olagunju Olowu, described Fubara as “a bulldog that cannot bark.”
Some commenters linked the governor’s withdrawal to pressure from powerful political figures at the national level.
Patrick Pato Anadi alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was exerting pressure on the governor, while Alex Sola claimed Fubara was attempting to protect his political interests by reconciling with former adversaries.
The criticism followed Fubara’s announcement that he was stepping down from the APC governorship primaries, a decision that has continued to generate intense reactions within Rivers State political circles and across social media.