The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his loyalists scramble to navigate a treacherous landscape following last Friday’s Supreme Court verdict. The ruling, which effectively reshaped the state’s power structure, has ignited tension and uncertainty, leaving Rivers people on edge about what comes next.
For 16 months, Rivers, a key player in West Africa’s oil and gas sector, has been engulfed in a power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor-turned-adversary, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The battle for control has turned the state into a political war zone, with both camps refusing to back down.
A Supreme Court Shockwave
The Supreme Court’s ruling delivered a seismic blow to Fubara’s grip on power. In a sweeping decision, the court validated the reinstatement of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, effectively stripping the governor of his legislative influence. The ruling also nullified the October 5, 2024, local government elections and upheld the suspension of federal allocations, further weakening Fubara’s hold on the state.
The verdict sent shockwaves through Rivers’ political landscape. While Wike’s camp erupted in celebrations—some allies were even seen rejoicing on social media before the ruling—Fubara’s supporters were left grappling with the harsh reality of their diminishing leverage.
Impeachment Looms?
With the Supreme Court matter settled, the biggest fear in Fubara’s camp is the looming threat of impeachment. Many believe Wike’s allies in the House of Assembly will waste no time in moving against the governor. Sources suggest that the process could be fast-tracked, with the lawmakers keen to reassert their authority after months of political limbo.
Wike, known for his combative political style, has already set the tone for what lies ahead. In a statement that raised eyebrows, he reportedly declared that Fubara’s commissioners and three-member assembly “never existed in the first place.” His remarks suggest an aggressive push to erase Fubara’s influence completely.
Calls for Calm Amidst Rising Tensions
Amidst the chaos, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) have urged restraint. INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that while the Supreme Court’s decision was significant, it was not the end of the road.
“We are still studying the implications of the judgment,” Okaba said. “For now, we urge everyone to remain calm.”
However, PANDEF’s Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe expressed skepticism, alleging that Wike had long boasted about having the Supreme Court in his pocket. He warned that the suspension of Rivers’ federal allocation could be a deliberate move to incite unrest, potentially leading to a state of emergency.
What’s Next for Fubara?
With his political structure severely weakened, Fubara’s last hope appears to be the pending case on the defection of the 27 lawmakers. Notably, the Supreme Court did not address the legality of their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as it was not part of the consolidated cases before the court.
Legal experts argue that the defection case could be Fubara’s trump card. However, whether the pro-Wike assembly will allow the slow legal process to play out remains uncertain. There is a growing belief that Wike’s camp might push for Fubara’s removal before the defection case is concluded.
Some political analysts suggest that Fubara could explore a political truce by defecting to the APC. A top Ogoni politician, speaking anonymously, hinted that joining the ruling party could secure Fubara’s political survival and position him as an ally of President Tinubu ahead of 2027.
In a bold move, Fubara has already directed all 23 local government chairmen to contest the October 5 council election under the Action Peoples Party (APP), a strategy that could provide a new political base for his next moves.
Fubara Remains Defiant
Despite the political turbulence, Fubara appears unshaken. A close source revealed that the governor remains optimistic, insisting that “it is not over yet.”
As Rivers State braces for the weeks ahead, one thing is certain—the power struggle is far from over. Whether through legal battles, political maneuvers, or outright impeachment, the state’s political landscape is set for dramatic twists and turns. The nation watches with bated breath as Rivers walks a tightrope between chaos and stability.
