…FCT Minister’s Candid Admission Exposes Depth of Rivers Crisis, Presidential Intervention Under Scrutiny
By Anastasia John E.
In a startling admission that has further inflamed the already volatile political climate in Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly declared his dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a State of Emergency. Wike, during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, revealed that his preferred resolution to the escalating crisis was the outright removal of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, a revelation that sheds light on the intense power struggle gripping the state.
President Tinubu’s decision last month to impose a State of Emergency, citing persistent political instability and security threats, resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the House of Assembly for a six-month period. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state’s affairs, pending a resolution, has been met with widespread debate and controversy across the nation.
Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State and a pivotal figure in the ongoing political turmoil, has now openly challenged the president’s approach. “As a politician, I am not happy with the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers state. I wanted the outright removal of the governor,” he stated, asserting that Fubara’s position had become untenable prior to the presidential intervention.
“The governor was gone. He was gone, yes… so when people say the president did this, I say they should be praising him. Every morning, they should go to the president and ask, ‘Can we wash your feet for saving us?’” Wike added, underscoring his belief that Tinubu’s actions were necessary to prevent anarchy in the state.
The root of the conflict lies in a fierce battle for control of Rivers State’s political and structural resources, a struggle that has pitted Wike against his successor, Fubara. This rivalry has also destabilized the state House of Assembly, leading to the defection of 27 members to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the emergence of factional speakers, and the establishment of a parallel assembly.
Wike’s candid admission of his desire for Fubara’s removal has intensified scrutiny of the presidential intervention, raising questions about the extent of political influence on the decision-making process. It also raises questions about the long term implications of the emergency rule, and if it will lead to a lasting peace, or further inflame the already tense political atmosphere. The admission also highlights the deep seated division within the state, and the determination of Wike to maintain his political influence.
