The political battle between pro-Wike allies and Governor Siminalayi Fubara continues to escalate following the Supreme Court judgment, causing significant setbacks to the economy and development of Rivers State, with residents bearing the brunt of the turmoil.
Since December 2023, Governor Fubara and 27 lawmakers, including Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Martins Amaewhule, have been locked in a prolonged political crisis. The conflict stems from allegations of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), disputes over state fund allocations, and impeachment threats.
This unrest has severely impacted the state’s economy and governance. On December 13, 2023, Premium Times reported the demolition of the RSHA complex, coinciding with Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget proposal to a four-member House of Assembly. The demolition followed an explosion at the assembly building, further deepening the crisis.
At the root of the political discord is a longstanding rift between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Their strained relationship nearly resulted in Fubara’s impeachment, a move that was prevented when former Assembly Leader Ehie Edison, a pro-Fubara faction leader, refused to endorse it.
Despite peace talks brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which included the reinstatement of pro-Wike lawmakers, tensions persist. Controversies over the 2025 Local Government (LG) elections and incidents of insecurity, including shootings and the burning of LG secretariats, continue to fuel instability.
The Supreme Court verdict, delivered by Justice Emmanuel Agim, addressed the alleged defection of the 27 lawmakers. The ruling stated that Governor Fubara withdrew the defection case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, meaning that no defection had legally taken place. As a result, the court ruled that the status quo in the House of Assembly must be maintained.
“In light of the foregoing, I hold that Cross-appeal No SC/CV/1175A/2024 lacks merit and is hereby dismissed. The Rivers State House of Assembly should resume sitting with all elected members forthwith,” the judgment read.
The Role of Political Godfatherism in Rivers State
The struggle between political godfathers and their successors has been a recurring trend in Rivers State. Since Dr. Peter Odili’s tenure as governor in 1999, there has been a pattern of conflicts between predecessors and their political protégés. This trend continued with the rift between former Governor Chibuike Amaechi and his political mentor.
Similarly, Wike, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, publicly denounced political godfatherism in Rivers State, insisting that it could not thrive as it allegedly does in Lagos State.
“It may have happened in Lagos State, but it cannot happen in Rivers. We are quite different. As governor, I will come and go, and I can’t stop it. You can’t continue to say that you must be a godfather of a state. That is the problem, and it is not possible. Why must I produce? The people of Rivers State should decide who they want to lead them,” Wike stated in a video clip obtained by this reporter.
As the battle for supremacy continued, Wike accused Fubara of attempting to destroy the political structure he built in the state. The issue of godfatherism has been central to the political struggle, ultimately leading to the fallout between both leaders.
At a recent thanksgiving event in Asari-Toru LGA, Wike further expressed his grievances, stating that his successor had disregarded his advice, deepening the divide between them.
Expert Analysis on the Economic and Political Implications
In an interview with New Daily Prime, political analyst, Professor Busuyi Mekusi, highlighted the far-reaching effects of the crisis on governance, the economy, and residents’ welfare.
“I was hoping for a resolution to the crisis after the Supreme Court judgment. Unfortunately, the opposing camp seems determined to escalate the conflict against Fubara. What is happening in Rivers State is an effort to strangulate the state economically, particularly in governance and service delivery.”
Professor Mekusi further noted that while Rivers State has a substantial Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), it may not be enough to sustain critical development and services.
“Infrastructure development will suffer. Rivers is a unique, oceanic state where building costs are naturally higher than in upland areas. The people will feel the impact,” he added.
The analyst also pointed out that political maneuvering by Wike and the 27 lawmakers has played a significant role in the crisis.
“Victory is sweet, but it must be well managed. I hope they will consider the interests of the people without escalating tensions unnecessarily so that governance can resume and complications affecting Rivers residents can be addressed.”
Mekusi described the situation as an attempt to cripple the state’s economy, warning that its consequences will be severe.
“Rivers State is being strangled economically, and this goes beyond Fubara. This crisis will have far-reaching effects on the people of Rivers State.”
He recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had attempted to mediate before the Supreme Court ruling, but after the visit of PANDEF leaders, he simply advised them to implement the court’s decision.
However, Professor Mekusi believes there should be room for a political resolution initiated by leaders within Rivers State or the South-South region.
He also expressed concerns about the implications of a potential impeachment, questioning what would follow if Fubara is removed.
“If Fubara is impeached, they will need to prove that he committed a punishable offense, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling. The deputy governor is also entangled in the crisis, meaning the Speaker could assume the governor’s position. What about the repercussions? What about the ripple effects of such a move?”
The professor emphasized that political conflicts often trigger unpredictable consequences, describing the recent impeachment moves as a risky strategy.
“There is a possibility that Fubara might be impeached politically, but complications remain. The Chief Judge must set up a panel to investigate the allegations. This is provided for in the constitution. But will the House of Assembly follow the due process, or will external influences come into play?”
Mekusi also raised concerns about where the lawmakers would convene their sittings—whether in Rivers State or Abuja—suggesting that political resistance could complicate any impeachment process.
“Fubara has presented himself as someone protecting the resources of Rivers State from alleged looting. If he succeeds in convincing the people, he will have their support. However, Wike once said that if Fubara is removed, nothing will happen. Now, we wait to see if something will happen.”
Conclusion
As the political crisis in Rivers State deepens, its economic and social impacts continue to grow. With governance crippled by political infighting, the fate of Rivers residents hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will determine whether peace and stability can be restored or if the crisis will escalate further, shaping the political landscape of one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
