The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate, with rising tensions between Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration and several key political figures, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The crisis has led to a series of public statements and actions, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issue. The latest developments come after Wike’s controversial remark suggesting that if Governor Fubara is impeached, it would have no significant consequences. In response, the leadership of the Supreme Egbesu Assembly (SEA), an influential traditional body of the Ijaw people, has warned that they may take drastic measures against President Bola Tinubu if the governor is removed from office.
This warning came after Wike’s statement ignited further tension, leading to calls for action from both the political establishment and traditional institutions in Rivers State and beyond.
Werinipre Digifa, the Chairman of the SEA, voiced strong opposition to Wike’s remarks, accusing the FCT Minister of being reckless and arrogant in his treatment of the Ijaw people. Digifa’s statement, issued on behalf of the Ijaw community, condemned Wike’s actions as inflammatory and harmful to the peace and unity of the region.
Digifa expressed concern over what he called Wike’s “recklessness” in handling the Rivers crisis, asserting that the former governor of Rivers State was intentionally aggravating tensions in the region. He also criticized President Tinubu, alleging that the president lacked the authority to restrain Wike, who Digifa claimed had turned the judiciary into his personal tool.
“We are keenly watching the ongoing political trend which is pure harassment and the intimidation of the Governor of Rivers State,” Digifa said. “If they impeach Fubara, we will not go into violence because Ijaw people don’t believe in violence. We will take everything in good faith, but we are not sleeping, neither are we cowards.”
The SEA leader also accused former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Patience Jonathan, of playing a role in empowering Wike, which Digifa believes has led to the current crisis. He said that Wike’s actions were the result of political decisions that had long-term negative consequences for Rivers State.
Meanwhile, Chief Olabode George, the former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also weighed in on the matter. In a strongly worded statement, George advised President Tinubu to take immediate action and call Wike to order. George described Wike’s rhetoric as “inflammatory, dangerous, and embarrassing,” warning that it could lead to more significant unrest in Rivers State if not addressed.
George pointed out that Wike’s outbursts were damaging to President Tinubu’s administration and questioned why a minister would make such public statements that could undermine the peace efforts in the state.
“As a country, Rivers State is the center of our economic activity and financial strength. What is going on now is not the fastest track to peace. If a crisis starts, it will not only affect Wike but everyone,” George said, adding that Wike’s words were causing confusion about who was truly in charge in Rivers State.
George also reminded President Tinubu that Wike, like all politicians, had benefited from the support of various political figures over the years, and it was hypocritical for him to claim that he singlehandedly built his political career. He called on the president to step in and resolve the crisis before it spirals further out of control.
As the political crisis in Rivers State continues, the Rivers State House of Assembly has called for an investigation into an alleged case of age falsification involving the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi. The House invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct an investigation into the matter, signaling growing concern over the integrity of the state’s judicial system amidst the ongoing political turmoil.
The call for an investigation into Justice Amadi’s age follows claims that the Chief Judge had falsified his age to extend his tenure. This latest development has added fuel to the already volatile political situation in Rivers State, with accusations of corruption and misconduct further muddying the waters.
In the midst of these political developments, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has appealed to all parties involved in the crisis to put aside their differences and prioritize the peace and development of Rivers State. Speaking during the inauguration of the Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area, Fubara urged the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and other political actors to consider the best interests of the state.
“We all must embrace peace,” Fubara said. “The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment, and we don’t have any option but to abide by it. Let us all consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing that we owe this state is peace and development.”
The governor also emphasized that the key focus of his administration was to improve healthcare, education, and agriculture. Despite the ongoing political issues, Fubara promised to continue with his administration’s development agenda, which he said would benefit the people of Rivers State in the long run.
“I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because if I have to govern well, there is a need for peace to prevail,” he said.
Fubara’s call for peace comes after months of political unrest, which has seen several factions within the state government and political arena engage in heated battles. The governor’s statements appear to be a plea for calm as he navigates the ongoing political crisis and seeks to reassure the people of Rivers State that his administration is committed to their well-being.
The political situation in Rivers State is far from resolved, with various political leaders and institutions calling for different approaches to bring peace to the state. The SEA has made it clear that they will not tolerate any further attacks on the Ijaw people and have vowed to take action if the governor is impeached. Meanwhile, PDP leaders such as Bode George continue to push for President Tinubu to intervene and rein in Wike’s actions.
Governor Fubara’s call for peace is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to bring an end to the growing tension in Rivers State. As the political drama unfolds, the people of Rivers State continue to hope for a resolution that prioritizes their well-being over the ambitions of politicians.
