Former Speaker Edison Ehie, now Chief of Staff to the governor, responded with unwavering resolve, vowing that Fubara would teach his opponents a brutal political lesson. “We are going to teach them a lesson of political arithmetic. What that small boy (Fubara) will do to you, you’ll know that khaki no be leather,” he asserted.
As Civilian Federal Might, the Police, Tinubu, and the Judiciary Perceived to Be on Wike’s Side, Rivers and Nigerian People Rally Behind Fubara, with Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa Giving Moral Support—Tinubu, Don’t Let Rivers State Burn Because ofOne Man
This psychologist came across an article published on December 16, 2023, by Vanguard News, titled “Wike/Fubara Fight a Threat to Democracy — Lawyers.” Lawyers have expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara poses a threat to democracy in Rivers State. They argue that Wike’s actions, which include attempts to obstruct Fubara’s governance, are indicative of political thuggery and bullying. This situation is seen as detrimental to the democratic process and the free exercise of governance in the state.
I do not personally know Wike or Fubara; my interest lies solely in the promotion of democracy and good governance.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a former Rivers State governor, insists on maintaining his political structure by all means. However, his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, stands firm, declaring, “No, you can’t control me, power belongs to God not man.”
In December 2023, President Bola Tinubu presided over a meeting at the State House, Abuja, with critical stakeholders in Rivers State politics, aiming to resolve the lingering crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political godfather, Nyesom Wike. Many Nigerians perceived this meeting as favorable to Wike, who is credited with helping Tinubu win Rivers State during the election.
Interventions from stakeholders like former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife Patience, and Delta Niger elders continue, with both the Wike and Fubara sides deeply entrenched in their positions.
The judiciary, colloquially referred to as the “Abuja judges,” is perceived as compromised, and the courts are seen as politically controlled, especially in Abuja. This has led to a growing demand for the judiciary to be consistent, fair, and to judge according to the law.
The political crisis in Rivers State is intensifying, with the failed attempt to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara by pro-Wike legislators only deepening the divide. Wike had once reassured his supporters, saying, “Don’t be afraid. Nobody will remove you as lawmakers,” even as their seats were declared vacant by law. He has stated, “Our business is to make them fear. That is what I am doing. We will make them angry every day, and they will continue to make mistakes.” However, as the political ground beneath him erodes, Wike’s frustration with Fubara is becoming more palpable and intense.
Former Speaker Edison Ehie, now Chief of Staff to the governor, responded with unwavering resolve, vowing that Fubara would teach his opponents a brutal political lesson. “We are going to teach them a lesson of political arithmetic. What that small boy (Fubara) will do to you, you’ll know that khaki no be leather,” he asserted. The battle for control over the resources of Rivers State rages on, with no respite in sight.
A Rivers State High Court had barred the pro-Wike speaker and 24 other lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the House of Assembly. However, a federal appeals court recently reinstated them, according to their claims, creating a volatile situation where the state House of Assembly is effectively split between Government House in Port Harcourt and undisclosed secret locations where the pro-Wike speaker Martins Amaewhule and his faction are convening. This escalating power struggle is not just precarious—it is a ticking time bomb that threatens to explode, potentially destabilizing the entire state of Rivers.
The crisis has triggered further chaos, with local government chairmen loyal to Wike being ousted and replaced by committee caretaker chairmen. Violent protests have erupted, with police barricading local government buildings—a highly unusual move that has forced workers to resort to virtual operations. This heavy-handed police behavior is perceived as an extension of federal might, amplifying the sense of lawlessness and disorder. With elections to replace the outgoing chairmen set for October, there is widespread anxiety about whether another intervention by Abuja judges will further complicate matters.
In an unprecedented and politically fraught alignment, a faction of the Rivers State APC has thrown its support behind Wike and his camp. This unexpected alliance adds another layer of complexity to an already combustible situation. As the crisis deepens, President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, recently stated that anyone expecting the President to take sides in the political crisis would be disappointed. However, the silence and inaction from Tinubu have left many Nigerians baffled and frustrated, questioning why he has not intervened to curb Wike’s destabilizing activities.
Wike continues to visit Rivers State on weekends, organizing social events and attending church services, from where he seems to orchestrate further unrest against Fubara. For many Nigerians, Wike’s relentless provocations and manipulations are seen as being bolstered by perceived support from federal might, the presidency, the police, and the so-called Abuja judges under Tinubu’s administration.
This dangerous and escalating conflict threatens not only the stability of Rivers State but also the broader political equilibrium of Nigeria. The situation is a powder keg, and without decisive intervention from President Tinubu, it risks erupting into uncontrollable chaos. The people of Rivers State and indeed all Nigerians are watching closely, hoping that leadership will prevail before it’s too late.
This divide threatens to deepen further. In June of this year, Governor Fubara gave assurances at a child’s dedication service at the Royal House of Grace International Church in Rumueme Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, stating that his government stands firm. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa, present at the dedication of Mr. Henry Wordu’s daughter, expressed moral support for Fubara, stating, “You will succeed. God is watching Rivers. Let us all continue to pray for him for success. We know the challenges we are facing in the country, Rivers State in particular. God Almighty will see you through because God knows your heart; you mean well for the good.”
Governor Fubara emphasized, “It’s when you are obsessed with controlling power that you become obsessed. But when you are watching, you know that one day, you will leave, and another will take over.” He asserted that no single man, referring to Wike, who sees himself as a god, is more powerful than God to thwart divine purpose. According to him, “The hearts of kings are willed to any direction by God to do His bidding.”
Governor Fubara stated that no administration in the State has ever been subjected to the ordeals it is experiencing, but stressed that the confidence to pull through is rooted in the spirit to stand in the strength of God continually. Rivers State and the unending political crisis are a call for the NJC to correct anomalies in the judicial system, but they are hindered by what many now call the federal might, the Abuja judges.
Nigerians and the people of Rivers State are asking when Tinubu will be bold enough to stop Wike as the state is engulfed in a crisis over a power tussle with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Mr. Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. As I write this, on this Sunday in July, Wike and the pro-Wike group are reportedly celebrating the appeals case, but in fact, there is nothing to celebrate. The ruling was not about restoring the lawmakers but about the issue of jurisdiction, highlighting the dangerous games Wike and his allies are playing.
This escalating conflict underscores the urgent need for decisive leadership and immediate action. Without intervention, the political crisis in Rivers State threatens to spiral into chaos, deepening divisions and instability not just within the state but potentially shaking the entire political landscape of Nigeria. The people are watching, waiting, and demanding for President Tinubu to take a definitive stand against Wike’s manipulation and restore order and justice. The stakes are higher than ever, and the call for bold action has never been more desperate. The very fabric of Rivers State’s democracy hangs in the balance, teetering on the edge of an abyss that could engulf the hopes and dreams of millions.
As a psychologist deeply interested in the democratic growth of Africa and Nigeria, particularly in the realm of fair justice, I cannot help but reflect on the subtle yet powerful message being conveyed. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s words, “God knows your heart; you mean well for the good,” resonate deeply. This is a quiet but firm signal of support for Governor Fubara amidst his political struggles.
General Musa’s support for Fubara is not just a personal endorsement but a broader indication that the military leadership recognizes and supports Fubara’s efforts for genuine governance and democratic integrity. I make no attempt to say that Musa and the military want to forcefully fight for Fubara, but General Musa sees a man whose heart is for the people, not the political elites.
The silent endorsement from General Musa hints at a broader military sentiment that values justice, integrity, and the democratic process. This support should not be underestimated, as it reflects a significant and influential backing for Fubara. The Nigerian people, particularly those in Rivers State, are rallying behind Fubara, recognizing his struggle against entrenched political interests and his commitment to serving the common good.
In essence, the situation calls for President Tinubu to carefully navigate the political landscape, ensuring that justice and fairness prevail. The support from the Chief of Defence Staff underscores the importance of maintaining democratic integrity and the rule of law, reminding all stakeholders that the eyes of the military, the people, and indeed, history are watching. The stakes are high, and the call for decisive action is loud and clear.
Wike is known to quickly get angry and loud about anyone who dares to say anything he does not like, as he is doing with many others. We hope he does not directly or indirectly go after General Musa. If he does, let’s just say it won’t end in his favor.
Now, the pro-Wike group may start holding sessions with Martin Amaewhule as a factional speaker, which could deepen the crisis. The Victor Oko-Jumbo-led Rivers State House of Assembly, which has the recognition of the state government and the majority of Rivers people, has stated that their lawyers have filed an appeal challenging the court ruling that declared the State High Court lacked jurisdiction. Let’s hope the Abuja judges follow their own precedents and not technicalities or pressure from federal political powers.
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to grant the ex parte order. This decision has escalated the already tense situation, as the pro-Wike group sees it as reinstating them, highlighting the ongoing struggle for legislative control within Rivers State, further complicating the political landscape and deepening the divide.
Another danger ahead is that Fubara is only dealing with Oko-Jumbo, and no state government commissioner or caretaker committee chairmen will engage with the pro-Wike group. They can’t interact with Fubara’s state government, leaving them with no salary, no money, and no state workers. Is Wike supposed to handle all their input and output for them? This situation is becoming a comedy of errors, with the pro-Wike legislators stuck in a bureaucratic no-man’s-land. Legislatively, they are powerless, with no budgetary control or administrative backing, essentially hanging in the air for the sake of power without any real influence or capability to govern.
As we see danger ahead, with hunger and emptiness looming over them, one can’t help but wonder if they might secretly start crying and find a way to join Fubara’s government. Imagine the scene: these politicians, who were so confident under Wike’s wing, sneaking away under the cover of darkness, desperate to switch sides and secure some stability. They might be picturing Wike, comfortably situated in Abuja, while they’re left to fend for themselves. The thought of them abandoning ship and running to Fubara for a lifeline adds a humorous twist to the otherwise tense situation.
On a more alarming and serious note, Tinubu must act now. The judiciary must stop playing political games as perceived by the Nigerian people. The political instability in Rivers State, exacerbated by the lack of clear legislative authority and the ongoing conflict between pro-Wike and pro-Fubara factions, threatens to spiral into chaos. The federal government, under Tinubu’s leadership, must intervene decisively to restore order and ensure that the rule of law prevails.
The stakes are incredibly high, and the situation demands immediate attention. The silent moral support from key figures, main Rivers State elders, and General Musa indicates that the people and even the military leader understand what is right democratically. They recognize the profound struggles of Fubara, who just wants to govern. Tinubu must realize that any further escalation could have catastrophic implications for national stability. It is imperative for President Tinubu to take swift and decisive action to address this escalating crisis, support legitimate governance, and uphold the democratic principles that are the foundation of Nigeria’s political system.