Rivers State is on edge as Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his supporters weigh their next move following a Supreme Court ruling that shifted the state’s political landscape in favor of his rival, Nyesom Wike. The ruling, delivered on Friday, February 28, has heightened fears of an impending impeachment as the political crisis in the oil-rich state deepens.
Supreme Court Ruling Shakes Political Structure
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively dismantled Fubara’s political influence by upholding the reinstatement of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike and invalidating the October 5, 2024, local government elections. The court also validated the suspension of federal allocations to the state, adding more pressure on the embattled governor.
With this ruling, the reinstated lawmakers are expected to reclaim their positions with a mindset of retaliation, after being sidelined for months. Political analysts believe their return could spell trouble for Fubara.
A reliable source within the Rivers political circle revealed, “The lawmakers have been waiting for this moment. They feel betrayed and will likely move quickly to assert their power.”
Impeachment Fear Looms
The biggest fear within the Fubara camp is that the Wike-led faction will waste no time in pushing for his impeachment. Reports suggest that the process could begin soon, with some of the lawmakers already working on the next steps.
Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a former governor of Rivers State, allegedly dismissed Fubara’s key allies, including his commissioners and Attorney General. “All Fubara’s commissioners and his three-member assembly are gone. They never existed in the first place,” Wike was quoted as saying.
He further warned that the Attorney General should not attempt to claim his position, stating, “He knows the consequences of saying he is the Attorney General of Rivers State again. He knows he is gone.”
Political observers believe that Wike’s faction is determined to remove Fubara from office before he can mount a strong legal defense against the defected lawmakers.
Ijaw and Niger Delta Leaders React
The Supreme Court ruling has drawn reactions from various stakeholders, particularly within the Ijaw and Niger Delta communities.
Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), urged calm while analyzing the ruling. “We are still studying the implications of the judgment. The issue of defection was not addressed, which leaves us confused. For now, we want everyone to remain peaceful and go about their responsibilities,” Okaba said.
Similarly, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, a chieftain of the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), accused Wike of influencing the Supreme Court’s decision. “Before now, Wike had been boasting that ‘the Supreme Court was in his pocket,’” he alleged.
He also warned that suspending federal allocations to Rivers State could trigger unrest. “This is a call for violence so that they can declare a state of emergency in Rivers. Suspending a state’s revenue is an invitation to crisis. We hope this does not derail our democracy,” Sara-Igbe stated.
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Fubara’s Remaining Options
With his political structure weakened, Fubara is left with limited options. His best hope now lies in the legal battle over the defection of the 27 lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is still pending at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt.
Legal experts argue that the defection case is a strong one against the lawmakers. However, the question remains whether Fubara will have enough time to see the case through before his opponents act against him.
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, an APC chieftain in Rivers, suggested that Fubara should rely on divine intervention. “Enemies of the state have taken over. The only thing left for the governor is to pray for God’s intervention,” he said.
However, a top Ogoni politician, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested that Fubara could consider a political settlement. “One option is to decamp to the APC. If he does that, he could strike a deal that guarantees President Tinubu’s support in 2027,” the source revealed.
Another possible strategy for Fubara is to rally his support base by strengthening his ties with the grassroots. His recent directive for all 23 local government chairmen to contest the October 5 election under the Action Peoples Party (APP) suggests that he is preparing for a long political battle.
Fubara Remains Defiant
Despite the setbacks, Fubara appears undeterred. A close associate of the governor disclosed that he remains optimistic. “I spoke with him, and he was full of life. He told me, ‘It is not over yet,’” the source said.
Another political observer noted that impeachment is a process, not an event. “Before they can remove the governor, the defection case must be concluded. That gives him a fighting chance,” he explained.
Rivers State Awaits the Next Move
As political tensions rise, all eyes are on Rivers State to see how the battle between Fubara and Wike unfolds. The coming weeks could determine the state’s political future, with many expecting intense political maneuvers and possible surprises.
For now, Rivers residents and the rest of the nation wait to see where the pendulum will swing.