Rivers Political Crisis Threatens Nigeria’s Democracy – Doyin Okupe

A former presidential spokesman, Doyin Okupe, has raised concerns that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State could severely undermine the nation’s democracy if left unresolved.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Okupe warned that the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, poses a serious threat to national stability.

Okupe described the rift and the resulting turmoil in the state as unfortunate, comparing it to the historic feud between late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola, the then Premier of the Western Region.

“Looking back, it is sad to note that the feud between Wike and Fubara resembles the clash between Awolowo and Akintola,” Okupe said.

“Though that crisis seemed limited at the time, it was one of the triggers that led to the collapse of that republic.”

He urged the federal government and influential figures across the country to intervene urgently.

“It would be wise for the federal government and men of goodwill from Rivers and across the nation to step in before the situation spirals out of control,” Okupe advised.

The former spokesman emphasized that only a political solution can effectively address the issues at hand, adding that all parties involved must prioritize dialogue.

Wike and Fubara have been locked in a struggle for control of the state for several months, leading to heightened tensions and a divided state assembly.

The crisis worsened following the October 5 local government elections, which saw violent attacks on some council secretariats by political thugs.

Further complicating matters, the Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld a lower court’s decision to nullify the state’s 2024 budget, signed by Governor Fubara.

The N800 billion budget, passed in December 2023, was prepared by a faction of the House of Assembly loyal to Fubara, led by Speaker Edison Ehie.

The nullification of the budget has added uncertainty to the already volatile political landscape in Rivers State.