Rivers State has become the epicenter of political turmoil as a fierce battle for power unfolds between two prominent political figures: the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the incumbent Governor of Rivers, Siminalayi Fubara. This power struggle, characterized by intrigue, allegations, and political maneuvers, has left the state in a state of uncertainty.
The turmoil began when suspected thugs, in a shocking and early-morning attack, invaded the state Assembly complex and set it ablaze using Improved Explosive Devices (IED). This violent act exposed the underlying tensions and animosities between the two power brokers and their loyalists.
Governor Fubara, in response to the crisis, dissolved the State Executive Council, which was allegedly packed with Wike’s loyalists. To address the escalating situation, several influential figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including Chairman of PDP Elder’s Forum, Freddie Anabrabra, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) OCJ Okocha, Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council Sargent Awuse, and former Rivers PDP chairman Felix Obua, held a closed-door meeting with the governor. This meeting was an attempt to mediate and reconcile the aggrieved parties.
Read More:
- Rivers State Governor, Fubara Faces Impeachment Amidst Political Turmoil
- Rivers Crisis: Eze Salutes Fubara For Aligning With Amaechi As Fight With Wike Thickens
- Rivers Crisis: Why Tinubu Should Sack Wike Without Delay – Bwala
The crisis took another turn when some lawmakers served an impeachment notice on Governor Fubara, triggering a counter-impeachment of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule. The situation escalated further when the police allegedly fired teargas and water cannons at Governor Fubara as he attempted to visit the burnt Assembly complex.
Governor Fubara lamented the compromised security in Rivers and expressed concern about the escalating violence. He accused security operatives of directly targeting him.
Amidst speculation that Nyesom Wike may be behind the impeachment attempt, the former governor has not publicly commented on the crisis. Factional Speaker Edison Ehie, who was elected by 26 lawmakers at a plenary held at the Government House, promised to ensure fairness, justice, and adherence to the rule of law in the state.
The Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Beatrice Itubo, and the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Darlington Nwauju, have condemned the destruction of public assets and warned against jeopardizing the state’s fragile security due to political greed.
The PDP leadership in the state has called for restraint and expressed confidence that the situation will be resolved amicably.
The leader of the Ijaw nation, Edwin Clark, has cautioned against an alleged plot to replace Governor Fubara with an Ikwerre man, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent further destabilization of the region and the nation’s democracy.
The political landscape in Rivers State is marred by uncertainty, power struggles, and allegations. As the nation watches this clash of titans, the outcome remains uncertain, and the implications for the state and the nation at large could be far-reaching.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.
