The political crisis in Rivers State has become the centre of national attention, especially after the President declared a state of emergency in the state and placed the blame on Governor Fubara. Many see this stance as biased and failing to address the true political dynamics at play in Rivers State.
The Origins of the Rivers Crisis
The crisis in Rivers State began after Governor Fubara’s election. Upon assuming office, Fubara sought to assert his independence from his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, a move that angered Wike and sparked the ongoing conflict. Wike, who claimed to have “made way” for Fubara as though the governorship were his personal property to bestow, saw Fubara’s push for autonomy as an act of betrayal.
The former governor publicly stated that many others had vied for the position, but he chose to hand it to Fubara. This statement trivialized democracy and the will of the people, reducing the election to a mere favour granted by Wike rather than a legitimate democratic process. Consequently, Fubara, the democratically elected governor, found himself treated as an adversary within his own administration.
The State Assembly, the Rivers State Police, and other governmental institutions became tools in Wike’s hands to frustrate Fubara’s leadership. The crisis deflected when 27 lawmakers, who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), were suspended by Fubara’s administration. However, tensions reignited after the Supreme Court reinstated the defected lawmakers and nullified local government elections held in the state. In a drastic move, the court also suspended federal allocations to Rivers State unless the governor complied with its ruling.
Escalation of Tensions
This Supreme Court ruling marked the beginning of renewed instability in Rivers. Wike, in multiple public statements, openly mocked Fubara, calling the controversy “God’s retribution” against the governor. Meanwhile, militant groups condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to suspend federal allocations and threatened to cut off oil supplies if the suspension was enforced. These threats were soon followed by two separate fire outbreaks at oil sites, raising concerns about potential sabotage.
Amid growing unrest, the President intervened, declaring a state of emergency on security grounds and suspending Governor Fubara from office. The federal government linked him to the recent oil site fires, despite his continued efforts to maintain peace in the state.
Critical Questions on Democracy and Power
This controversial suspension has raised pressing questions:
- Should a democratically elected governor be suspended so easily?
- Why is Fubara, who has been trying to restore stability, being penalized while Wike—who has openly boasted of his influence over the state—remains untouched?
- If Fubara is to be blamed for the crisis, shouldn’t Wike share the same responsibility, given his open interference in Rivers politics
- Should a former governor wield so much power over his successor?
Wike has repeatedly taunted Fubara, making bold claims about his control over Rivers State. The 27 defected lawmakers, who now oppose Fubara’s administration, are widely known to be Wike’s loyalists. These facts point to Wike’s direct involvement in the crisis, yet the President’s decision appears one-sided, suspending Fubara while leaving Wike, a sitting minister, untouched.
This move by the presidency sends a troubling message to Nigerians: that powerful individuals can manipulate state structures for personal gain. By refusing to hold Wike accountable, the President indirectly endorses the Minister’s blatant assertion of ownership over Rivers State, an affront to democracy and the principles of statehood on which Nigeria is built.
A Call for Justice
We therefore call on the Nigerian Presidency to uphold its oath to protect the rights of all Nigerians, ensure accountability, and prevent the erosion of democratic integrity. Rivers State deserves fair governance, free from undue political interference.
