In a major political shift within Rivers State, the prominent pro-Fubara group, known as the Simplicity Movement, has officially dissolved and rebranded as the Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM), signaling a realignment with Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s call for unity and peace.
The announcement came during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt, where members of the group declared full compliance with Governor Fubara’s directive for all political structures operating in his name to disband and support the ongoing peace process in the state.
Launched a year ago at Kalabari National College field in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA, the Simplicity Movement had established a presence across all 23 local government areas in the state.
Speaking at the event, National Leader and Convener, Sobomabo Jackrich, emphasized that the dissolution was not politically motivated by expectations of reward.
“Our action was not motivated by inducement, expectation, or political reward. It was a voluntary, sincere, and deliberate demonstration of solidarity and belief in a leader who, from day one, placed Rivers people at the centre of governance,” Jackrich stated.
While the original movement is coming to an end, Jackrich explained that its core values will now continue under a new civic platform, Rivers Grassroots Movement, which will focus on non-partisan civic engagement, peace-building, empowerment, and policy advocacy.
“At this juncture, we must step aside — not in weakness, but in strength; not in retreat, but in responsibility,” he said.
The group reaffirmed its loyalty to Governor Fubara and commended former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for embracing reconciliation efforts.
“We are not in opposition. We are not a faction. We are Rivers people. We are patriots. We are builders of peace,” Jackrich affirmed.
Other group leaders called for continued peace, discipline, and unity among supporters across the 23 LGAs in pursuit of a stable and progressive Rivers State.
The development aligns with growing support for peace in the state, including from the Rivers Elders Forum, which recently urged President Bola Tinubu to back the return of full executive control to Governor Fubara amid improving political harmony.
What you should know
The dissolution of the Simplicity Movement and the emergence of the Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM) highlights a strategic shift in Rivers State politics toward non-partisan civic engagement, while maintaining loyalty to Governor Fubara’s leadership and peace agenda.
