A bitter political feud has gripped Rivers State, Nigeria, pitting the current governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against his predecessor and now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The conflict, stemming from disagreements shortly after Fubara’s inauguration, has escalated dramatically, involving impeachment attempts, a divided state House of Assembly, party defections, and even threats of pipeline attacks by militant groups. Wike, claiming a 2-0 victory over Fubara, has taken a combative stance, publicly mocking the governor and predicting further setbacks following a Supreme Court ruling that suspended federal allocations to the state and local governments while validating a Wike-aligned faction within the House of Assembly. This ruling significantly weakens Fubara’s position and adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing power struggle.
The origins of the crisis trace back to disputes over the allocation of resources and political control. Fubara’s alleged attempt to seize the salaries and allowances of Assembly members, a move encouraged by his advisors, is cited by Wike as a key instigating factor. This action, according to Wike, fueled the discontent within the Assembly and ultimately led to the current fractured state of the legislative body. The bombing of the State House of Assembly further exacerbated tensions and solidified the divide between the two factions, one loyal to Fubara and the other to Wike. The defection of 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party crisis, added fuel to the fire and highlighted the deep divisions within the state’s political landscape.
The Supreme Court’s recent intervention, suspending federal allocations and recognizing the Wike-backed faction of the House of Assembly, has dealt a significant blow to Fubara’s administration. This decision has emboldened Wike, who vows to continue supporting the Assembly’s functions and asserts his intention to deliver the state to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Wike frames the conflict as a battle against ingratitude, accusing those surrounding Fubara of failing to appreciate the efforts that led to his electoral victory. He portrays himself as a defender of the people against an administration that he claims has betrayed their trust.
Adding to the volatile situation, militant groups in the Niger Delta region have issued threats to attack oil pipelines in protest against the Supreme Court ruling. These groups accuse Wike of instigating the crisis and demand the release of the withheld federal allocations. While Wike dismisses these threats and calls for dialogue, the potential for violence remains a serious concern. The involvement of militant groups highlights the high stakes of the political conflict and the risk of further destabilizing the region. This escalating tension underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Various stakeholders have weighed in on the ongoing turmoil. The Pan Niger Delta Elders’ Forum (PANDEF) has condemned Wike’s attacks, labeling them divisive and counterproductive to peace efforts. They have called on President Tinubu to intervene and urge Wike to retract his statements and engage constructively in finding a resolution. A former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum has attributed the crisis to leadership failure and ego-driven politics, while a rights lawyer points to the weakened position of the governor following the Supreme Court judgment. A public affairs analyst has also urged President Tinubu to caution Wike, emphasizing the need to allow Fubara to govern without undue interference.
The political crisis in Rivers State remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The interplay of political rivalries, judicial interventions, and militant threats creates a complex and precarious situation. Finding a peaceful and sustainable resolution requires dialogue, compromise, and a commitment from all parties to prioritize the interests of the state and its people over personal ambitions and political maneuvering. The potential consequences of continued conflict, including violence and disruption to oil production, underscore the urgency of de-escalating tensions and working towards a solution that respects the rule of law and democratic processes.
