KEY POINTS
- Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expresses concerns over President Tinubu’s perceived silence on the political crisis in the state.
- Fubara has called for federal intervention amid rising tensions and unrest within the Rivers State political landscape.
- The crisis highlights divisions within the ruling party, with potential implications for governance and security in the region.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has raised alarm over what he described as the aloofness of the President Bola Tinubu in handling the escalating political crisis in the state.
Said Fubara, who has been struggling with internal separatist incorporative tensions and political disturbance, was insisting at the federal level to take firmer measures to address the constantly increasing conflicts.
The governor’s apprehensions are informed by on-going internal wrangling in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and with influential politicians.
Such tensions have raised concerns of an imminent derailment of governance, as Fubara has urged President Tinubu, and federal power to wade into the crisis.
Rivers State: Political Tensions Rise
Since the emergence of APC, anti-party activities have characterized the Rivers State politics especially factions being erected within the party.
These internal contradictions have manifested themselves into the streets and there are riots and demonstrations in some parts of the state. Fubara who was sworn in earlier in 2023 has been under pressure to bring order but has said that only federal action can do so.
Fubara also complained that President Tinubu, the leader of the APC, has not come out clearly to address the crisis. He opined that the president could be instrumental in helping to restore order and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in the state.
As reported by Tribune Online, Fubara’s worries are more general and are connected with possible future changes in governance and security.
The governor said that if the situation was not addressed, it would worsen and hamper the provision of basic services and security in the state.
Demands for federal interference and facilitation
Governor Fubara’s call for President Tinubu’s intervention comes at a time when there are increasing demands for the federal government to intervene in the Rivers crisis.
Most political analysts agree with the idea that only national-level mediation can help address the conflicts that have been the state’s bane.
The absence of a coherent federal policy on the issue has led to doubts about the government’s willingness to preserve political stability in one of Nigeria’s most important economic areas.
Fubara also pointed out the dangers of continuation of the crisis for the development of the economy and infrastructure of Rivers State. Rivers is one of the oil producing states in Nigeria and as such contributes immensely to the country’s revenue.
Persistent instability may have implications on the state and national economy depending on the impact of disruptions on the oil export and production.
Looking for a solution in the midst of political polarization
However, it is believed that with proper intervention, the problem is Rivers State can be solved. Political scientists believe that the conflict within the APC can be solved through the federal intervention and local negotiations. However, for this to happen there is need for the presidency and other federal institutions to be more active.
Governor Fubara is still hopeful that President Tinubu will one day come out and address the issue and give the leadership that is required to put an end to the crisis.
The pacification of the political leadership crises in Rivers State is considered to be important not only for the effective functioning of the state but also for the stabilization of the political situation throughout Nigeria.
