Fubara Siminalayi

Siminalayi Fubara, born Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara on 28 January 1975 in Opobo, Rivers State, is a Nigerian politician and accountant who has served as governor of the state since May 2023. He initially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after being suspended from his position.

Fubara attended Opobo Primary School and Comprehensive Secondary School, Opobo for primary and secondary education before studying business education at Rivers State University. His academic qualifications include a degree in business education, a postgraduate diploma in accounting from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, an MSc in Finance, and an MBA from the Business School of the University of Port Harcourt.

His professional career began in 2003 as principal accountant for Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board. He rose to become Director of Finance and Accounts in 2015, Permanent Secretary in 2020, and Accountant General of Rivers State from December 2020 until May 2022.

He was endorsed by Nyesom Wike and won the PDP primary election for governor on 26 May 2022. He secured the governorship position in March 2023 with 302,614 votes against Tonye Cole (APC) and Beatrice Itubo (Labor Party), assuming office on 29 May 2023.

His tenure faced challenges including political feuds with Nyesom Wike and legislative splits. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a rival assembly faction, leading to the suspension of federal funding and invalidation of local elections. He was suspended by President Bola Tinubu on 18 March 2025, replaced by Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

Reinstated on 18 September 2025 after international condemnation, Fubara later defected to APC alongside 17 House of Assembly members in December 2025. He is also accused of fraud involving over NGN 435 billion and NGN 117 billion by the EFCC.

Fubara holds traditional titles such as Amaopu-Senibo of Opobo Kingdom and is married with three children.