Rivers State Political Crisis Intensifies as Wike and Fubara Escalate Tensions

The political crisis in Rivers State escalated last week as both sides engaged in verbal and strategic maneuvers.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the state called for the impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while his estranged godfather and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed regret over his choice of successor.

Wike, speaking at an event in Rivers, sought forgiveness for his past actions, stating, “I have made a mistake.

I own it up and I say God forgive me. I have said all of you forgive me. But we will correct it at the appropriate time.”

He also urged his supporters in the state assembly not to be intimidated, emphasizing the need to make their opponents fear them.

In response, Mr. Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the governor, vowed that Fubara would teach his opponents a political lesson, attributing the state’s crisis to struggles for resource control.

The crisis deepened with the factional state lawmakers aligning with Wike’s directives.

The suspended House, which previously passed bills against Fubara’s wishes, was barred by a Rivers State High Court from acting as members of the House of Assembly.

Fubara, in a countermove, ordered the immediate relocation of the legislative business of the state House of Assembly to Government House in Port Harcourt.

This came after Victor Oko-Jumbo, a lawmaker loyal to the governor, emerged as a new factional speaker.

The recent feud stemmed from the enactment of the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill, which extended the tenure of local government chairmen.

Fubara’s refusal to assent to the bill led to the House overriding his decision.

The crisis has drawn reactions from various quarters, with the APC calling for Fubara’s impeachment, citing his alleged abuse of power and lack of respect for due process.

The PDP, on the other hand, argued that the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike lacked the legitimacy to impeach the governor, as they defected from the party when there was no crisis.

President Bola Tinubu has opted to stay neutral, stating that he would not take sides in the ongoing crisis.

His position was reiterated by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, who emphasized that Tinubu would not support any attempt to frustrate the Rivers government.

As tensions continue to rise, the future of Rivers State’s political landscape remains uncertain, with both factions digging in for a prolonged battle.