The former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has called for the restoration of peace in the state, saying that Governor Siminalayi Fubara must do what is right to resolve the ongoing crisis. Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made the statement during a media briefing in Abuja, highlighting that Fubara needs to act in accordance with the law and the state’s constitution to ensure peace returns to Rivers.
Wike’s remarks come amid growing tensions between Fubara and some members of the state legislature, particularly the State House of Assembly, which is led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. According to Wike, Fubara must submit the 2025 budget to the State Assembly and resubmit the list of his commissioners for approval, both of which he argues are necessary steps to restore order in the state.
Speaking to journalists, Wike made it clear that there can be no peace in Rivers State if the governor continues to avoid necessary actions. He stressed that peace is built on doing the right things, and without those actions, stability will remain elusive. Wike was firm in his position, stating that Fubara could not expect peace if he continued to make decisions that go against the proper procedures.
“What is peace? What is important is, let the right thing be done,” Wike said. “When the right things are done, there will be peace. But if the right thing is not done, how would you say you want peace? Peace is predicated on doing the right thing.”
He further insisted that the governor needed to take immediate steps to resolve the issues with the state legislature, which include presenting the 2025 budget to the Assembly and resubmitting his commissioner nominees for approval. Without these actions, Wike argued, the state would remain in a state of political turmoil.
“Go and re-present the budget, go and submit the list of the commissioners. You cannot do illegality,” Wike added.
The political situation in Rivers State has been tense for several months, with Fubara facing increasing opposition from members of the state legislature, particularly from those loyal to Wike. The governor’s inability to present the 2025 budget to the Assembly and the delay in clearing his commissioners for appointment have been sources of conflict. This standoff between the executive and the legislative arms of government has created a sense of instability in the state, which many believe could negatively affect governance and the delivery of services to the people.
In his media appearance, Wike was clear in his assertion that Fubara’s actions, or lack thereof, were exacerbating the situation. By failing to engage with the legislature and follow due process, Wike argued that the governor was contributing to the growing unrest in the state.
Wike also took the opportunity to address how he played a role in Fubara’s emergence as the governor of Rivers State. He explained that despite opposition from some political figures, particularly from the Ijaw ethnic group, he chose Fubara as his successor. Wike acknowledged that there were concerns about Fubara’s candidacy from some quarters, but he defended his decision, stating that Fubara was the right person for the job at the time.
The Ijaw people, a prominent ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, have historically played a significant role in the politics of Rivers State, and their support is crucial for any politician seeking to hold the office of governor. Wike’s decision to pick Fubara was seen by many as a controversial one, especially since it went against the preferences of some Ijaw leaders.
“I picked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the position despite some politicians of Ijaw extraction kicking against the decision,” Wike said. “The Ijaws are minority in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, and they stand no chance of becoming governors in any other state in the region apart from Bayelsa.”
Wike’s statement on the Ijaw people’s political standing in the Niger Delta highlights the delicate balance of power among the different ethnic groups in the region. While the Ijaw people have a significant presence in the region, Wike pointed out that they have limited political influence outside of Bayelsa State, where they hold the governor’s seat. This, according to Wike, made it essential for him to consider all factors before making his decision about Fubara’s candidacy.
Ethnic politics have long been a part of the political landscape in Rivers State and the broader Niger Delta region. The various ethnic groups in the state, including the Ijaws, Ikwerres, and others, have often had to navigate complex relationships in order to ensure political representation and access to resources. Wike’s comments about the Ijaws being a minority in the state suggest that the balance of power in Rivers is constantly shifting, with ethnic group dynamics influencing who gets to lead the state at any given time.
While Wike acknowledged the challenges posed by these ethnic dynamics, he also highlighted that his decision to support Fubara was based on what he believed was best for the state at the time. This decision, however, has been met with resistance from some quarters, contributing to the current political struggles that Rivers State is facing.
As tensions continue to rise in Rivers State, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for the state’s leadership. The conflict between Governor Fubara and the state legislature, compounded by the lack of clarity regarding the 2025 budget and commissioner appointments, has created uncertainty about the state’s ability to function smoothly in the coming months.
Wike’s call for Fubara to do the right thing may be a last-ditch effort to encourage the governor to take the necessary steps to resolve the crisis. By submitting the budget and re-submitting the list of commissioners, Fubara may be able to rebuild his relationship with the legislature and restore a sense of order in the state’s government. However, with political loyalties and ethnic interests deeply intertwined in Rivers State politics, it remains to be seen whether Fubara will be able to navigate these challenges successfully.
