Chief Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has waded into the conflict, urging Wike to step aside and let Fubara govern without interference.
In a statement released on Monday, George called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the growing rift and advise his Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wike, to allow the Rivers State governor to focus on his duties.
Wike and Fubara at Loggerheads Over Control of Rivers State
The root of the current political crisis in Rivers State lies in the battle for control between former governor Wike and his handpicked successor, Governor Fubara.
Wike, who governed Rivers State for eight years until May 2023, is accused of trying to maintain a firm grip on the state’s political structure.
Although Fubara ascended to the governorship with Wike’s support, recent events suggest that their relationship has deteriorated.
A major flashpoint occurred during the local government elections held on Saturday, which saw the Action People’s Party (APP) sweep 22 out of the 23 local government areas in the state.
Tension escalated as Wike, now a minister in Tinubu’s cabinet, was accused of trying to exert influence over the electoral process and the governance of the state.
Governor Fubara, meanwhile, is facing growing pressure to assert his authority and deliver on his promises to the people of Rivers State.
Bode George Sounds Alarm Over Political Tensions
Chief Bode George, in his statement, expressed deep concern over the political instability brewing in Rivers State.
He warned that if left unchecked, the crisis could have severe consequences for the state and Nigeria as a whole.
George urged Wike to step back and give Governor Fubara the space to work, stating that the current situation could easily spiral out of control.
He drew comparisons to the political chaos that occurred in Nigeria’s Western Region between 1962 and 1966, which eventually led to the country’s first military coup.
The veteran politician reminded Nigerians of the grave consequences of political instability, referencing the loss of lives and the military coups of 1966 that plunged the country into civil war.
“Political happenings in Rivers State in the last few months, if allowed to continue, can lead to a re-enactment of the crisis in the defunct Western Region,” George warned.
He cautioned that the current power struggle could create a dangerous scenario for the state and Nigeria as a whole, particularly given Rivers State’s economic importance as a key oil-producing region.
Rivers State: A Vital Hub for Nigeria’s Economy
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s most important economic regions, home to vast oil reserves and the gateway to the Niger Delta.
Instability in Rivers has implications far beyond the state itself.
As George noted, any threat to peace in Rivers could have serious security and economic consequences for Nigeria, West Africa, and even the wider African continent.
“Any threat to peace in this state will eventually lead to huge security implications, not only for Nigeria but for West Africa and Africa,” George said, underscoring the need for political actors to prioritize the state’s stability over personal ambitions.
The veteran politician urged Wike to put the people of Rivers State first, warning that the political crisis is distracting from important governance work that needs to be done.
The 2027 Elections: A Focal Point for Conflict?
One of the factors driving the current crisis may be political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some analysts believe that Wike is already positioning himself for the next electoral cycle, hoping to maintain his influence in the state’s politics.
George, however, dismissed this as premature.
He pointed out that there are still more than two years before the 2027 elections, and that it is too early for politicians to start strategizing for future elections at the expense of current governance.
“I believe it is too early to start strategizing for a partisan event which is still close to 28 months away,” George remarked.
He urged Wike to allow Governor Fubara to focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State instead of engaging in political battles that could destabilize the state.
Tinubu Urged to Intervene
In his statement, George also called on President Tinubu to intervene directly in the Rivers State crisis.
As the Commander-in-Chief and leader of the nation, Tinubu holds significant influence over his ministers, including Wike.
George urged the President to use his position to encourage Wike to respect Fubara’s authority and to prioritize the stability of Rivers State over any political ambition.
“This is the time for President Bola Tinubu to advise Wike, who is one of his ministers, to allow the governor to work,” George said.
He stressed that if the current crisis continues to escalate, the President himself could bear the consequences, as any major political or security breakdown in Rivers State could affect the entire country.
George’s message was clear: the stakes are too high for personal ambitions to override the need for stability and good governance.
Wike’s Legacy and the Need for Peace
Bode George acknowledged Wike’s contributions during his tenure as governor but emphasized that it is now time for a new leader to chart the course for Rivers State.
He pointed out that Wike had his time in office, during which he governed the state for eight years.
Now, Fubara has been elected as the new leader, and he should be given the chance to lead without undue interference.
“By 2027, the people of Rivers State will decide, through their votes, if they want him [Fubara] to return to office or not,” George stated.
He noted that this is how political issues are handled in democratic societies.
However, if the ongoing power struggle is allowed to continue, it could collapse the state’s democracy and undermine the will of the people.
George concluded by urging all parties involved to let peace prevail and to respect the democratic process.
“Nobody stays in office forever. Let Governor Fubara work, and let the people of Rivers State enjoy the benefits of good governance,” he said.
