By Muhammad Mamman
Traditional rulers in Nigeria’s Rivers state have moved to contain a deepening political crisis by setting up a peace committee to mediate between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers announced the formation of the nine-member committee in a statement issued on Wednesday, amid growing concerns over the prolonged feud between the two political heavyweights.
According to the council, the committee will be chaired by Suanu T. Y. Baridam, with Eze Nwachukwu Nnam Obi serving as co-chairman. Other members were drawn from across the state’s traditional institutions, reflecting what the council described as a collective effort to restore peace and stability.
The political crisis, which has paralysed governance and heightened tensions in the oil-rich state, stems from a bitter fallout between Fubara and Wike, who was instrumental in the governor’s rise to office. Their rift has since widened into a broader power struggle, affecting the state legislature and key political actors.
In the statement, the monarchs said the decision to intervene was guided by their constitutional and moral responsibility to promote unity and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
Rivers state has witnessed weeks of political uncertainty, with the standoff raising fears of prolonged instability in one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic regions. Observers say the involvement of traditional rulers could provide a neutral platform for dialogue, although the outcome remains uncertain.
Neither Governor Fubara nor Minister Wike has publicly responded to the initiative as of the time of reporting.
