The political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, with Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the center of a storm that threatens to upend governance and plunge the state into turmoil. In a dramatic escalation, the faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike has called for Fubara’s resignation or impeachment, citing alleged infractions and accusing him of disrespecting President Bola Tinubu.
But this is no ordinary political spat. It is a high-stakes battle for control, with key players maneuvering in what some describe as a “game of thrones” that could reshape the state’s leadership.
A Governor Under Siege
Fubara, seeking a truce, extended an olive branch to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly by inviting lawmakers for dialogue following the Supreme Court’s ruling that affirmed their legitimacy. However, his overture was immediately rejected by the opposition, which dismissed it as a “Greek gift” designed to buy time rather than foster genuine reconciliation.
Chief Tony Okocha, leading the charge against Fubara, didn’t hold back. In a fiery press briefing in Port Harcourt, he declared that the governor was “clueless” and had “run the state aground.” He insisted that the only options left for Fubara were resignation or impeachment, warning that his continued stay in office could destabilize Rivers State.
“The governor behaves like a saint, but he is a dangerous snake,” Okocha claimed, fueling speculation that this political crisis is far deeper than it appears.
War of Words: Fubara Fights Back
Despite the relentless attacks, Fubara remains defiant. Addressing supporters at the inauguration of the Nyeweali Akpor Kingdom palace, he urged calm and assured them he would emerge stronger.
“Please continue to follow my footsteps, and that footstep remains the path of peace. We need it because if anything happens, we are the greatest losers,” Fubara declared, striking a tone of resilience amid the chaos.
The governor’s supporters have dismissed the impeachment threats as empty rhetoric, arguing that he remains widely popular among Rivers residents. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described Okocha’s remarks as mere “hallucination,” accusing the APC faction of attempting to manufacture a crisis where none should exist.
A State on the Edge
While the political gladiators continue their verbal battles, the Rivers House of Assembly has taken drastic action, issuing an arrest warrant for the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli (retd.), and four commissioners over alleged electoral malfeasance. The lawmakers insist that the RSIEC must be held accountable for its handling of the controversial October 5, 2024, local government elections.
Meanwhile, prominent elders in the state, including former Governor Rufus Ada-George, have called for restraint. Warning of the dangers of unchecked political warfare, Ada-George urged all parties to de-escalate tensions and seek peaceful resolutions.
What’s Next?
With the APC pressing for impeachment, the PDP rallying behind Fubara, and legal battles brewing, Rivers State stands at a crossroads. Will Fubara survive this onslaught, or will the forces aligned against him succeed in ousting him?
One thing is certain: the coming weeks will be decisive. The battle for Rivers State is far from over, and the outcome could alter the state’s political landscape for years to come.
