Nigeria’s Rivers State is teetering on the edge of a political crisis, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leveling accusations against the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to orchestrate a violent takeover of the state government.
At the heart of the discord lies the strained relationship between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesome Wike, who presently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their formerly amicable bond ruptured in 2023 when the state assembly, stocked with Wike loyalists, initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
A tenuous truce, brokered by President Bola Tinubu, disintegrated after the two sides clashed over the specifics of the peace agreement. Tensions flared further when the assembly, in a direct challenge to the governor’s authority, passed two bills despite his objections.
On May 8th, 2024, the situation reached a critical juncture when Governor Fubara declared the assembly null and void. He contended that members who had switched allegiance to the APC in 2023 had consequently forfeited their seats.
In a swift countermove, the APC’s Rivers State chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, called for the impeachment of Governor Fubara. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s national publicity secretary, vehemently condemned Okocha’s pronouncements, labeling them as a perilous incitement to violence.
Ologunagba adamantly maintained that the defecting lawmakers had relinquished their positions according to the Nigerian constitution. He implored the Inspector General of Police to take decisive action and thwart the APC’s “blatant call for anarchy.”
The PDP maintains a resolute stance, asserting that Rivers State is a PDP bastion and that any attempt by the APC to wrest control will be met with staunch resistance.
Worsening Relations and Legal Maneuvering
The political animosity in Rivers State has a long and winding history. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike were once regarded as close associates. However, their relationship soured considerably in the lead-up to the 2023 elections. Wike, a powerful figure within the PDP, favored another candidate for the governorship. When Fubara emerged victorious, a deep rift emerged between the two men.
The defection of several PDP legislators to the APC in 2023 further exacerbated the political climate. This shift in allegiance handed a slim majority to the APC in the state assembly, emboldening them to pursue impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara.
The intervention of President Tinubu produced a fragile truce. However, it appears both sides have struggled to agree on the terms of the peace agreement, leading to the recent escalation of tensions.
Concerns of Violence and the Path Forward
The PDP’s accusations against the APC have heightened anxieties about potential violence in Rivers State. The state has a troubled past, having witnessed outbreaks of political violence in previous elections. Ologunagba’s pleas to the Inspector General of Police underscore the seriousness of the situation.
The legitimacy of the state assembly also remains a contentious issue. Governor Fubara’s declaration that the assembly is defunct throws into question the validity of any actions they take, including the proposed impeachment proceedings.
The path forward appears precarious. Resolving the dispute over the assembly’s composition is critical. Additionally, both the PDP and APC must demonstrate a commitment to peaceful dialogue to prevent the situation from spiraling further out of control. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining whether Rivers State can navigate this political crisis peacefully.
Source: Punch
