Amid the political crisis in Rivers State, The New Daily Prime made an effort to speak with some random residents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) to get their views on the matter, all of whom expressed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
More than two years after the political dispute between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor-turned-rival, Nyesom Wike, the crisis remains unresolved, prompting citizens to voice their concerns over the ongoing tensions.
The rift between Governor Fubara and Mr Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), began in December 2023 when the governor severed ties with 27 lawmakers, including Martins Amaewhule, following their alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Since then, the conflict has escalated—from the reinstatement of the pro-Wike lawmakers to disputes over state fund allocations and, most recently, impeachment attempts that have thrown the state into a heated political struggle.
Speaking exclusively to The New Daily Prime, residents expressed deep concern over the worsening crisis, stating that it has reached a critical point.
Amadi Francis, a resident of Obio/Akpor LGA, argued that Wike’s ultimate goal in the power struggle is to maintain control over state resources for personal and political gains, without accountability.
However, he expressed confidence that Governor Fubara would prevail, adding that the ongoing conflict could ultimately work in the governor’s favour.
“His actions are justified. Was he not elected as the Governor of Rivers State? Was he elected to be someone’s puppet? He was chosen to carry out executive functions for the state. If Wike dislikes him simply because he brought him in as a godfather, then the best thing to do is to remain silent and wait for the next election,” Francis noted.
READ ALSO: Fubara appeals to Wike to allow him govern River
He further criticized Wike’s alleged attempts to control Fubara, stating:
“He wants to weaken him and turn the state into a political battleground where resources are mismanaged. This is unacceptable.”
Francis emphasized that the governor’s actions were both democratic and constitutional, asserting that those opposing him lacked a proper understanding of governance.
According to him, those criticizing the governor are, in reality, supporting Minister Wike. However, he clarified: “My loyalty is neither with Fubara nor Wike.”
He also lamented that the political crisis was affecting infrastructure development in areas such as Onelga and Obimma.
“The funds meant for building infrastructure are being wasted on political struggles. Without peace, there will be no development,” he added.
Francis further questioned Wike’s choice of Fubara as his successor:
“Wike ruled for eight years and had many political allies from the riverine areas. If he wanted a successor he could control, why didn’t he choose one of them? Why didn’t he pick a civil servant instead of someone with a political background?”
Path to Resolution
When asked about a possible resolution to the dispute, Francis stated:
**“First, they must strengthen their networks, including their political allies. They should prioritize peace and convene a roundtable discussion.
If they can resolve their differences peacefully, they should do so. However, if peace is not an option, they may resort to other strategies to bring the conflict to a decisive end.”**
He also warned of the economic impact the crisis could have on Rivers State:
“Rivers is the most valuable state after Lagos. If this crisis continues, businesses will relocate, taxes will be paid elsewhere, and Rivers State’s economy will suffer.”
Development Hindrance
Innocent Ajilo, a resident of Ahoada LGA, argued that the ongoing political turmoil is hindering the state’s development.
“The impeachment of local government chairmen will only worsen the situation,” he observed.
Ajilo criticized the politicians involved, stating:
“They are causing unnecessary chaos and neglecting the needs of the people. Instead of focusing on development, they are fixated on holding onto power.”
He emphasized that whether impeachment proceedings continue, the state’s progress is already being affected.
“We initially felt relieved when Fubara became governor. But now, with this crisis, things are getting worse,” he added.
On Governor Fubara’s invitation to Speaker Martins Amaewhule, Ajilo asserted that it was a strategic move toward resolving the dispute rather than a mere formality.
“Politics requires dialogue. The governor understands what he is doing. He has legal advisers, and the system will not collapse. I believe Fubara is standing for the truth, and the truth will eventually prevail,” he said.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court nullifies judgement stopping Rivers allocation
Godfatherism in Rivers Politics
Alex Ejiro, another resident, described the conflict as a result of godfatherism, predicting that it could hinder Fubara’s ability to govern effectively.
“Every decision Fubara makes is overturned. The Supreme Court even ruled that he should undo certain actions. And now, he is saying that Rivers people should allow things to be. At worst, he might resign. This is not how governance should work,” Ejiro stated.
He also recalled that during Wike’s tenure, such power struggles did not occur, highlighting the influence of godfatherism in the crisis.
“No progress is being made in Rivers State. The politicians are either stuck in one place or regressing,” he added.
Wike’s Influence and Possible Impeachment
Chukwuka Emmanuel, a resident of Ogba Egbema-Ndoni (ONELGA), urged Wike and his allies to allow Fubara to govern without interference.
“Wike enjoys being in the spotlight, which has contributed to this crisis. He backed Fubara in the election, expecting to control him as governor,” he remarked.
He also speculated on a possible impeachment attempt:
“If the funds are not flowing to certain individuals, impeachment could happen. Looking at it from a political perspective, it remains a possibility.”
BY Friday Omosola and Helen Okechukwu
