In the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, the dynamic between Nyesom Wike, then governor of Rivers State, and Siminalayi Fubara, the state Accountant-General at the time, was likened to that of a father and son.
As Wike approached the end of his tenure, he made considerable efforts to ensure the succession of a loyal follower, settling on Fubara despite opposition from prominent figures within the Peoples Democratic Party in the state. These figures argued that Fubara, a political novice with no significant party contributions, was unfit for the prestigious role.
Nevertheless, Wike urged party heavyweights to embrace Fubara, though this plea provoked mixed reactions among party members and aspiring candidates. Celestine Omehia, Tele Ikuru, Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, Lee Maeba, and others were among those who opposed Wike’s choice, leading to significant fractures within the party.
Dissent was evident as some candidates, including Sekibo, reportedly walked out of the primary venue in protest. The fallout deepened rifts within the party, prompting figures like Sekibo, Maeba, and Opara to distance themselves from Wike.
Fubara eventually won the election decisively and was inaugurated as governor in a well-attended ceremony on May 29, 2023.
Mentor-Protégé relationship turns sour
Initially, relations between Wike and Fubara appeared harmonious, reminiscent of their earlier mentor-protégé dynamic. However, signs of strain emerged over time, leading to speculation and whispers about tensions between them.
Among the visible strains was the former governor’s influence over the reappointment of commissioners who had served under him, with Fubara reportedly feeling constrained by Wike’s continued influence over key decisions.
In pursuit of broader political support, Governor Fubara confided his challenges to influential politicians, including adversaries of his predecessor. He subsequently privately visited Governor Douye Diri in Yenagoa and Governor Godwin Obaseki in Benin, actions that displeased Wike.
This led to orchestrated efforts, led by Martin Amaewhule of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in the state House of Assembly, backed by Wike, to remove Fubara from office within six months of his tenure.
Despite a failed impeachment attempt, allegations emerged that Fubara sought to alter the legislature’s leadership to consolidate his political base.
Tensions escalated, culminating in an explosion at the Assembly complex on October 30, 2023, preceding a contentious session where 27 lawmakers announced plans to impeach Fubara.
The subsequent demolition of the Assembly complex, supervised by Fubara due to structural concerns exacerbated by the bombing, underscored the deepening political rift.
Damage control
Amidst the chaos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, convening stakeholders in Abuja to negotiate an eight-point peace agreement.
Although Fubara reluctantly adhered to most terms, including reinstating resigned commissioners loyal to Wike, discontent brewed among his supporters and Rivers State elders who deemed the agreement biased.
While legal battles over budget representation and lawmaker status continue, Fubara reiterated his commitment to the peace accord, citing respect for President Tinubu’s mediation.
He, however, warned that he would surprise those who thought his decision to implement the agreement was a sign of weakness.
Political turbulence in Rivers State
The political landscape in Rivers State remains tumultuous as Governor Fubara navigates a precarious path amidst escalating tensions with pro-Wike lawmakers.
Analysts argue that Fubara’s reluctance to present the budget is strategic, warning that compliance could expose him to legislative traps set by Wike’s allies, potentially leading to his downfall.
Meanwhile, any hopes of reconciliation between Wike and Fubara seem dashed following the FCT minister’s recent dismissal of such prospects.
Fubara however, displaying adept diplomacy, has been advocating peace while also preparing for political battles.
The pro-Wike legislators continue their aggressive stance, recently blocking Fubara’s attempts to amend key state laws, asserting their authority to enforce constitutional responsibilities, including impeachment threats against the governor.
Despite these challenges, Fubara has garnered considerable support among civil servants and labor unions through initiatives like salary arrears payments and worker promotions. Grassroots organizations like the Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI) have also rallied behind him, despite dissent within the party.
Wike however still wields substantial influence, retaining loyalty among local government chairmen, senators, and significant party structures. His sway extends to the state Assembly and key federal appointments, reinforcing his political grip in the region.
Political chess turns chaotic
The recent reshuffle within Fubara’s cabinet reflects his efforts to consolidate power, albeit facing resistance from entrenched pro-Wike officials.
The appointment of 16 new Permanent Secretaries with gifts of new Sports Utility Vehicles in January this year was said to be a masterstroke to enable Fubara work with those he feels comfortable with, while the commissioners in those ministries may be mere status symbols or ceremonial heads going forward, especially due to difficulties in appointing new commissioners, knowing full well that such move would be subjected to screening and confirmation by a legislature not in his favour.
In another effort to reduce power from his predecessor, Fubara on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, following the expiration of the tenures of local government chairmen in Rivers State on June 17, directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HGLAs) across the state’s 23 local government areas to assume control starting June 18, 2024.
In a broadcast, Fubara urged the HGLAs to take charge with renewed vigor and readiness while awaiting further instructions for future endeavors together.
Acknowledging the outgoing chairmen, vice chairmen, and councilors for their service, Fubara commended their dedication and wished them success in their future pursuits.
However, reports from various local government areas indicate varying tensions, with incidents ranging from sporadic shootings to peaceful transitions.
In Port Harcourt City, social media videos depicted security forces associated with former chairman Allwell Ihunda firing shots after being pursued by enraged youths who claimed to have been directly targeted.
Similarly, in Obio-Akpor, there were reports of vandalism against an official vehicle of chairman George Ariorlu and torn posters amid chants of both war and victory.
Elsewhere, in Emohua and several other LGAs such as Eleme, Omuma, Ahoada East, Degema, Asari/Toru, Akuku/Toru, Onelga, Okrika, and Ogu/Bolo, youths celebrated the departure of their respective council chairmen with jubilant chants and public displays.
As the standoff persists, observers anticipate further political upheaval, with outcomes dependent on legal challenges and shifting alliances within Rivers State’s complex political landscape.
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