As tensions continue to rise in Rivers State over a bitter power struggle between Governor Siminalaye Fubara and his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has intervened, calling for peace and urging a de-escalation of the situation. The senator’s intervention comes at a critical juncture, as political maneuvering and the threat of violence continue to destabilize the state.
Senator Dickson, who represents the Bayelsa West Senatorial Zone, visited Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s residence in Port Harcourt on Friday, April 11, 2025, to discuss the growing crisis in the state. Following a private meeting with Governor Fubara, the senator made a public appeal for calm, urging all stakeholders involved to act in the interest of peace and stability.
The visit comes amid weeks of heightened political tension, primarily driven by the ongoing power struggle between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike. The situation worsened recently when the Rivers State House of Assembly moved to impeach Governor Fubara, sparking widespread outrage and calls for restraint.
Senator Dickson, recognizing the severity of the situation, described the political atmosphere in Rivers State as “an extreme and rare political development.” He emphasized that while peace appeared to reign in the state at the moment, it was a fragile peace that could easily be disrupted.
“The peace in Rivers State may very well be the peace of a graveyard,” Senator Dickson warned. He cautioned that even a small spark could ignite massive unrest in the state, which could have far-reaching effects across the Niger Delta region and the entire country.
Senator Dickson’s plea for peace extended beyond local actors in Rivers State, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene in the crisis. He called on the President to engage directly with both Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike to encourage dialogue and reconciliation.
“I urge President Tinubu to prevail on all stakeholders, especially my brother, the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalaye Fubara, to find a common ground for tolerance and accommodation,” Dickson said. He stressed that it was essential for both leaders to put the state’s and the nation’s interests above personal or political differences.
The senator further emphasized that both Fubara and Wike have a history of collaboration, and it is within their power to come together and resolve the current crisis for the good of Rivers State. He appealed to their sense of leadership, referring to their shared history as a “divine prerogative of fathers to tolerate and forbear for the overall interest of all.”
One of the key points Senator Dickson highlighted during his address was the importance of youth involvement in maintaining peace. He specifically directed his message to the youth of Rivers State, particularly those from the Ijaw Nation, urging them to resist any provocation or incitement to violence.
In his message, Senator Dickson warned against destructive actions, particularly the vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure. The Niger Delta region, which is rich in natural resources, has suffered from environmental degradation due to frequent acts of vandalism and oil spills. The senator emphasized that such actions not only harm the environment but also destabilize the local economy and compromise national security.
“They should refrain from violence and destructive tendencies, particularly the destruction and vandalism of strategic oil and gas infrastructure in the region, which has the potential to cause further pollution damage to our already compromised environment,” Senator Dickson stated.
The senator underscored the need for peace and cooperation, emphasizing that the region’s future depended on the careful balance between economic development, environmental protection, and political stability.
The political situation in Rivers State is further complicated by the role of Vice Admiral (rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, who serves as the Sole Administrator overseeing the state’s affairs. Senator Dickson specifically called on Ibas to avoid actions that could undermine confidence in the resolution process.
He urged the Sole Administrator to work with all parties involved to ensure that tensions do not escalate further. “I call on Vice Admiral Ibas to refrain from actions that do not build confidence and aid the quick and amicable resolution of the crisis,” he said.
Senator Dickson’s statement suggests that he sees the involvement of the Sole Administrator as crucial in preventing further destabilization in the state. The role of the Sole Administrator is particularly sensitive, as any misstep could further alienate key stakeholders in the state’s political landscape.
One of the most important aspects of Senator Dickson’s intervention was his address to concerns regarding the Ijaw Nation’s stance on the current administration. The Ijaw people, who are a dominant ethnic group in the Niger Delta, have long advocated for greater autonomy, environmental justice, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s political system. Senator Dickson sought to clarify the position of the Ijaw Nation, emphasizing that the community was not at war with the federal government or President Tinubu.
“The Ijaw Nation is not at war with the Federal Government or the President,” Dickson said, reaffirming the Ijaw people’s commitment to a restructured, more inclusive Nigeria. He called for decentralization, rapid development, and environmental justice, arguing that these were critical issues for the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta as a whole.
The senator expressed hope that President Tinubu would be a partner in achieving these objectives, regardless of any political differences. His message was one of unity and progress, emphasizing that the Ijaw people were focused on creating a better future for all Nigerians, not engaging in unnecessary conflict.
Senator Dickson’s intervention serves as a timely reminder of the potential dangers posed by political instability in Rivers State. With tensions escalating between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, and the threat of violence looms large, Dickson’s call for calm, presidential intervention, and reconciliation offers a glimmer of hope for peace.
The senator’s remarks highlight the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving the crisis. As the nation watches, all eyes are now on President Tinubu to see if he will heed this call and take the necessary steps to restore peace, stability, and democratic rule in Rivers State.
