Cole made these remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Cole’s comments follow President Bola Tinubu’s controversial decision to suspend Fubara as governor, a move that has sparked widespread debate in Nigeria’s political landscape. 

According to Cole, even if Fubara is reinstated, he will face significant challenges in exercising his authority as governor. 

“Fubara will find himself in a very difficult situation,” Cole said, emphasizing that the governor’s ability to make independent decisions will be severely curtailed due to ongoing political interference.

Describing Rivers State as a critical economic and political hub in Nigeria, Cole lamented the implications of a governor unable to fully exercise his mandate as an elected leader. 

“It is unfortunate that Rivers, such an important state, will have a governor who cannot act with the full authority of his office,” he stated.