The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has taken a dramatic turn as Nyesom Wike, the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), launched a scathing attack on his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking at a grand reception organized by the Kalabari people in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, on March 15, 2025, Wike asserted that Fubara is unlikely to succeed as governor, claiming that he is "already down 2-0" and predicting more challenges ahead. This statement marks a significant escalation in the bitter rivalry between the two leaders, which has plunged Rivers State into a prolonged period of political instability.
.jpg)
The Roots of the Rivers State Crisis
The feud between Wike and Fubara, once political allies, has its origins in a struggle for control over Rivers State’s political machinery. Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, played a pivotal role in Fubara’s rise to power, supporting his candidacy in the 2023 gubernatorial election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, tensions emerged shortly after Fubara’s inauguration in May 2023, as he sought to assert his independence from Wike’s influence. This power struggle has since fractured the state’s political landscape, pitting Wike’s loyalists against Fubara’s administration.
The crisis has manifested in several high-profile disputes, including control of the Rivers State House of Assembly, budget presentations, and the appointment of key officials. The conflict reached a boiling point in late 2023 when 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking a legal and political battle over their legitimacy. Fubara’s administration initially declared their seats vacant, but a Supreme Court ruling in early 2025 reinstated the lawmakers, strengthening Wike’s grip on the legislative arm of the state.
Wike’s Claims: "Down 2-0 and More to Come"
During his address in Abalama, Wike mocked Fubara’s leadership, pointing to two significant setbacks as evidence of his faltering administration. The "2-0" scoreline refers to two landmark Supreme Court decisions that have favored Wike’s faction. First, the court mandated Fubara to re-present the 2025 budget to the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, a group of 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike. This ruling overturned Fubara’s earlier budget presentation to a smaller faction of lawmakers loyal to him. Second, the court ordered the reconduct of local government elections in the state, further undermining Fubara’s authority over grassroots governance.
Wike seized on these judicial victories to taunt Fubara, asserting that the governor’s reliance on advisors with ulterior motives has led to his political misfortunes. “You surrounded yourself with people who wanted to be governor, whom I said ‘no, these people don’t mean well for Rivers State,’” Wike stated. “They are the ones surrounding you, giving you advice. Do you think you will succeed? They will give bad advice, and look at what bad advice is doing to you. You are already down 2-0, and there’s more to come.” He argued that Fubara’s inner circle, including individuals who had previously sought the governorship, are working against the state’s interests, predicting further challenges for the embattled governor.
Fubara’s Struggles and the Role of His Advisors
Wike’s criticism centers on Fubara’s choice of allies, particularly highlighting the influence of Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Wike accused Danagogo of instigating the crisis by leveraging his familial connections, including his brother, a judge, to secure favorable court rulings. One such ruling, an ex parte order, attempted to legitimize the defection of the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers and allowed Fubara to present the budget to a smaller group of assembly members. However, these efforts were overturned by higher courts, reinforcing Wike’s narrative of misguided leadership within Fubara’s camp.
Fubara’s administration has faced additional hurdles, including the indefinite recess declared by the Amaewhule-led assembly on March 14, 2025, which prevented the governor from presenting the 2025 budget as mandated by the Supreme Court. This move has deepened the impasse, with federal allocations to Rivers State halted until the budget is properly presented. Wike has capitalized on these developments to question Fubara’s ability to govern effectively, suggesting that his administration is on the brink of collapse due to poor decision-making and internal dissent.
The Broader Implications for Rivers State
The ongoing crisis has far-reaching implications for Rivers State, a key player in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region. The political instability has disrupted governance, delayed development projects, and heightened tensions among the state’s diverse ethnic groups. Wike’s remarks, delivered during a reception by the Kalabari people, have fueled concerns about potential ethnic divisions, as his rhetoric has included controversial statements questioning Fubara’s Ijaw heritage. These comments have drawn criticism from some quarters, with observers warning that the feud could exacerbate ethnic strife in the state.
The struggle for control has also attracted national attention, with President Bola Tinubu attempting to mediate the conflict in late 2023. However, the peace agreement brokered by Tinubu has largely unraveled, as both sides have accused each other of failing to adhere to its terms. Wike, a prominent figure in the PDP who has maintained close ties with the APC-led federal government, has leveraged his influence to bolster his faction’s position, while Fubara has sought to consolidate his authority as the state’s chief executive.
Reactions and Regional Dynamics
Wike’s latest salvo has elicited mixed reactions. His supporters view his statements as a justified critique of Fubara’s leadership, pointing to the judicial setbacks as evidence of administrative incompetence. However, Fubara’s allies, including Danagogo, have defended the governor’s approach, arguing that his restraint in the face of provocation demonstrates strength rather than weakness. Danagogo recently cautioned against mistaking Fubara’s calm demeanor for vulnerability, emphasizing his commitment to governance despite the challenges.
The crisis has also raised questions about the role of the judiciary in resolving political disputes, with critics arguing that conflicting court rulings have prolonged the conflict. The Supreme Court’s decisions have tilted the balance in Wike’s favor, but the indefinite recess of the assembly suggests that the struggle is far from over. Analysts warn that the continued deadlock could undermine Rivers State’s economic stability, particularly given its reliance on federal allocations and oil revenues.
Looking Ahead: A State in Limbo
As of March 16, 2025, Rivers State remains in a state of political limbo, with no clear resolution in sight. Wike’s prediction of “more to come” hints at further legal or political maneuvers by his faction, potentially including an impeachment push against Fubara. The Amaewhule-led assembly has previously threatened such action, and the reinstatement of their authority by the Supreme Court has emboldened their position.
For Fubara, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Restoring stability will require navigating the complex interplay of legislative opposition, judicial oversight, and grassroots support. His administration has emphasized a commitment to peace and development, but the ongoing crisis has hindered progress on key initiatives. Meanwhile, Wike’s influence, bolstered by his role as FCT Minister and his loyal base in Rivers State, continues to loom large over the state’s political landscape.
Conclusion
The Rivers State crisis, epitomized by Wike’s claim that Fubara is “down 2-0” with “more to come,” reflects a deeply entrenched power struggle with significant consequences for governance and stability. Wike’s assertion that Fubara “won’t succeed as governor” underscores the intensity of their rivalry, while the judicial and legislative developments have tilted the balance in Wike’s favor. As the state grapples with this turmoil, the resolution of the crisis will depend on the ability of its leaders to prioritize the interests of Rivers State’s citizens over personal and political ambitions. For now, the future remains uncertain, with the potential for further escalation threatening to prolong one of Nigeria’s most contentious political battles.
Post a Comment
0Comments