Godsent Ogbebor
Rivers Political Crisis Threatens Stability, Requires Urgent Resolution
The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has escalated into a serious threat to democracy. Both leaders must step back and prioritize the stability of the state over personal and political battles.
The conflict began shortly after Fubara assumed office in 2023. By October of that year, 27 state lawmakers loyal to Wike attempted to impeach the governor. The situation worsened with an explosion and fire at the assembly complex, followed by its demolition by Fubara’s administration in December.
That same month, the 27 lawmakers defected from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting a factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, to declare their seats vacant.
The affected lawmakers challenged this move in court, and in February 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor, recognizing them as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The court also ordered a halt to the state’s monthly federal allocation and nullified last year’s local government elections.
Following the judgment, Tony Okocha, a factional APC chairman in Rivers, reignited threats of impeachment against Fubara if he did not step down. In response, the governor’s supporters vowed to resist any removal attempt, further inflaming the crisis along ethnic lines.
Meanwhile, Wike, who now serves as the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has continued to make incendiary remarks that fuel tensions. His criticism of Fubara’s attempts to engage the lawmakers and re-present the 2025 budget has worsened the situation. Wike should allow the governor to govern without interference.
The Federal Government must step in decisively. President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders in the Niger Delta to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling. While he attempted to mediate earlier in the crisis, his intervention will likely be ineffective unless he also reins in Wike.
Fubara, for his part, has attempted to foster peace by inviting lawmakers to a dialogue, but they declined the meeting. He was also reportedly locked out of the assembly chambers when he tried to re-present the 2025 budget. This level of political dysfunction is unacceptable.
Rivers State has a troubling history of political godfatherism. Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi clashed with his predecessor, Peter Odili, and later had a bitter feud with Wike. Now, Wike is engaged in the same battle with his own successor. This cycle of conflict, fueled by personal ambitions, has crippled governance in the state.
All parties must put aside selfish interests and work toward a peaceful resolution. If mismanaged, this crisis could spiral out of control, disrupting oil production and having broader economic consequences for Nigeria. The time for political games is over—Rivers State must be allowed to function without unnecessary interference.
