President Bola Tinubu has called on political leaders in Rivers State to respect the rule of law and prioritize peace to ensure the state’s stability and development. His appeal comes amid the ongoing power struggle between the state’s immediate past governor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and his successor, Governor Sim Fubara.
During a meeting with leaders of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized that only the judiciary’s decisions can resolve the crisis.
Tinubu said, “I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers, and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.”
He acknowledged the political crisis in Rivers State, adding that he had been monitoring the situation for some time and had previously brokered a written agreement between the warring factions.
“We reached an agreement, a written agreement, and both parties signed,” Tinubu revealed.
Supreme Court Ruling and Political Tensions
The crisis in Rivers deepened following a Supreme Court judgment that reinstated 27 lawmakers who were loyal to Wike after they had been declared to have lost their seats. This ruling challenged Governor Fubara’s authority over the state assembly.
Although Fubara has pledged to comply with the ruling, tensions remain high as some factions demand his resignation or impeachment. Tinubu urged all parties to accept the legal outcome and work towards peace.
“Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability,” he said.
Tinubu assured the delegation that the federal government would continue supporting development projects in the Niger Delta, including new seaports and a coastal road project.
He added, “Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy.”
PANDEF Leaders Commend Tinubu
King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, the Amanyanabo of Twon-Brass Kingdom and Co-Chairman of the PANDEF Board of Trustees, praised Tinubu’s efforts in the South-South region.
He said, “Your government has taken the bull by the horns, and we are sure you will succeed. We are here to give you our assurance and support.”
Former Akwa Ibom State Governor and PANDEF leader, Obong Victor Attah, warned that the crisis in Rivers could threaten national stability. He urged Tinubu to increase his intervention efforts.
“Instability there has far-reaching consequences on the peace and stability of the nation,” Attah stressed.
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Fubara Seeks Fresh Meeting with Lawmakers
As part of efforts to ease tensions, Governor Fubara has extended a fresh invitation to the 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike.
On Sunday, the governor invited the lawmakers for a meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt to discuss key issues, including a venue for their legislative sessions, the 2025 budget, and their outstanding allowances.
However, the lawmakers rejected the invitation, claiming they were not properly informed. Lolo Opuende, who represents Akuku-Toru Constituency 2, mocked the governor’s approach.
“It is time for us to determine our ‘dey.’ When the ‘dey your dey’ started, our principal said the time for our own ‘dey your dey’ would come. Fubara, now our ‘dey your dey’ has come,” he said, referencing the phrase “dey your dey” (stay in your lane), which had been used to describe the political rift.
Former Ikwerre Local Government Chairman, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, also joined in the mockery, chanting, “Fubara, dey your dey, make I dey my dey.”
Despite their rejection, Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Jerry Omatsogunwa, said the governor might resend the invitation.
Omatsogunwa stated, “If they really love Rivers State, they would have honored that invitation. But the governor, as a very peaceful person, may decide to rewrite them to ensure they are on the same page. Even in the Bible, God said, ‘Come, let us reason together.’”
Governor Pledges Full Compliance with Court Ruling
Speaking at the inauguration of Judges’ Quarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Fubara reiterated his commitment to implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment.
“The Supreme Court has given its judgment, and my administration will implement it fully. The reason is clear: It is not about me; it is about the good of this state,” he said.
Fubara lamented that the political crisis had caused financial losses that could have been used for development projects.
“No price is too big to pay for peace in this state. At the end of the day, it is about our people,” he added.
Pro-Fubara Group Warns Against Impeachment
Meanwhile, the Supreme Council for Sim Worldwide, a pro-Fubara group, warned against any attempt to impeach the governor, saying it could trigger unrest.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, the group’s leader, Esezi Rukani, declared:
“We all know the process of impeachment. Before it even starts, the state will boil because the governor is a man of the masses. He might not act, but the people who voted for him will.”
Rukani also cautioned lawmakers against mistaking Fubara’s peaceful approach for weakness.
He added, “The governor may not fight them, but those who voted for him will. Simplicity is not stupidity. If this governor were like others who enjoy fighting, Rivers State would have been in turmoil by now.”
With political tensions still running high, all eyes are on Governor Fubara and the 27 lawmakers to see whether a compromise can be reached. While Tinubu has made it clear that the rule of law must prevail, the situation in Rivers remains delicate.