The political turmoil in Rivers State has once again drawn presidential attention, with President Bola Tinubu urging the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to ensure Governor Siminalayi Fubara implements the Supreme Court-backed political resolution.
A President’s Plea Behind Closed Doors
During a high-stakes closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday evening, Tinubu addressed PANDEF leaders, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in resolving the crisis.
“I got your signal and I got your concerns, particularly concerning Rivers State. I have been on it for quite some time. I foresaw this crisis long before I stepped in. We reached an agreement—a written agreement—which both parties signed,” Tinubu stated.
Expressing frustration over the lingering conflict, the President underscored his commitment to the judiciary’s authority.
“This is a nation with a rule of law. I should not be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law. Now, the Supreme Court has spoken—that is it. Please go back home and help him (Governor Fubara) to implement those recommendations within the shortest possible time,” Tinubu urged.
A Deepening Rift and Rising Tensions
The Rivers State crisis has escalated into a full-blown political war, pitting Governor Fubara against his former ally and political godfather, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. At the heart of the dispute is the state House of Assembly, which remains fiercely loyal to Wike and has repeatedly clashed with the governor.
The power struggle reached a breaking point last year when lawmakers attempted to impeach Fubara, sparking intense political maneuvering and intervention from the presidency. While Fubara has managed to hold onto power, the battle for dominance continues, with each faction refusing to back down.
Fears of Unrest in the Niger Delta
The crisis has not only disrupted governance in Rivers State but has also raised security concerns across the Niger Delta. Ijaw groups, who see Fubara as their representative, have warned against any attempt to unseat him, with some factions even threatening armed resistance.
As tensions simmer, PANDEF has taken a frontline role in brokering peace. Led by National Chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali, the group has engaged in multiple high-level negotiations to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control.
Tinubu’s Strategic Engagements
Tuesday’s meeting with PANDEF is just one of several moves by Tinubu to maintain stability in the oil-rich region. On Monday, he hosted an Iftar dinner attended by both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, along with several other governors, ministers, and top officials, in an effort to ease tensions.
Earlier in January, the president also met with leaders from Ogoniland, including Dr. Owens Wiwa, the younger brother of the late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, signaling his broader commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
Despite these interventions, the question remains: will Fubara bow to presidential pressure and implement the Supreme Court-backed agreement, or will the Rivers State crisis continue to fester, threatening both governance and stability in the region?
