Embattled Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have pledged to work together.
This promise follows a high-profile meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, where Governor Fubara, Wike, and Rivers State lawmakers convened to discuss future collaborations. Wike signaled a unified front among the participants. "We've all agreed to work together with Fubara," he announced.
Wike and Governor Fubara have been at loggerheads since the start of the governor's tenure. Fubara was initially seen as Wike's protégé, with Wike supporting his candidacy to succeed him as governor in the 2023 elections.
Tensions arose after the election as Governor Fubara began to assert his independence, leading to a power struggle between the two. Wike, known for his influential tenure as governor, found it challenging to step back, leading to disagreements over policy decisions and governance approaches.
The clash has polarized both the political elite and the public, impacting the stability of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. It has also caused a divide between Governor Fubara and the PDP-dominated Rivers State House of Assembly.
Battle with Rivers House of Assembly
The fracas between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State lawmakers, particularly those loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike, has been a notable political conflict. Here's a timeline of the crack between the executive governor and the legislature.
- October 29, 2023: An arson attack occurred at the Rivers State Legislative Complex, coinciding with plans by pro-Wike lawmakers to initiate impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
- October 30, 2023: In response, 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara, escalating tensions between the governor and the legislative assembly.
- December 11, 2023: These lawmakers defected from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), intensifying the political divide.
- December 13, 2023: Speaker Edison Ehie, citing anti-defection laws, declared the seats of the defecting lawmakers vacant.
- December 18, 2023: A peace deal was brokered, facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, aiming to resolve the conflict and stabilize governance in Rivers State.
- December 20, 2023: Following the peace agreement, the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara was formally withdrawn.
- July 4, 2024: The Court of Appeal reinstated the pro-Wike lawmakers, allowing them to resume their legislative duties.
- July 9, 2024: These reinstated lawmakers issued an ultimatum to Governor Fubara regarding the state budget, demanding compliance with their legislative agenda.
- July 21, 2024: A court denied the lawmakers' attempt to block state spending, affirming the executive's financial authority.
- September 20, 2024: A lawsuit filed against the lawmakers was dismissed, maintaining the status quo of the legislative assembly.
- October 5, 2024: Despite ongoing tensions, Governor Fubara conducted local elections, demonstrating his administration's commitment to democratic processes.
- October 2024: The Court of Appeal nullified the 2024 budget, adding another layer of complexity to the political situation.
Appointment of Sole Administrator
As tensions escalated in Rivers State, President Tinubu announced a State of Emergency in the state on 18 March and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retired) as the sole administrator. "The security and political tensions in Rivers State require decisive intervention to safeguard the peace and prosperity of its people," Tinubu said in an address broadcast nationwide.
The president cited the need to prevent a complete breakdown of law and order. A day later, Ibas was officially inaugurated as the sole administrator.
