The political crisis in Rivers State has escalated further as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor, Nyesom Wike, publicly ridiculed Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stating that he is already down by two points in the ongoing power struggle and should expect more losses. Wike made this declaration in Abalama, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, during a Thanksgiving Service and Civic Reception held in his honor. His visit to the community was met with fierce opposition, as traditional rulers and residents rejected his presence, citing deep-seated political grievances and security concerns.
As Wike arrived in Abalama for the event, tensions flared as residents took to the streets in protest. Roads were blocked, and demonstrators carried placards denouncing Wike’s presence. The protests reflected the growing dissatisfaction with the former governor, especially among the Kalabari people, who accused him of making derogatory remarks about their ethnic status. Wike had previously described the Kalabari people as a minority within the state, a statement that sparked outrage and resentment.
In an official letter addressed to the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, the Amayanabo of Abalama, King Dr. A. B. Big Tom Tom JP, made it clear that the community had not approved Wike’s visit. He expressed shock at learning about the event through social media and emphasized that the program posed a security risk. Despite the resistance from the traditional institution, Wike proceeded with the event, where he mocked Governor Fubara’s leadership, attributing his struggles to poor decision-making and misguided political alliances.
Wike told the gathering that Fubara had surrounded himself with individuals who lack the competence to navigate the complexities of governance. He insisted that the governor was receiving poor advice from his inner circle, which has only worsened his political troubles. According to Wike, Fubara’s current predicament is the result of ignoring wise counsel and aligning with people who do not have the best interests of Rivers State at heart. He emphasized that the governor’s setbacks were self-inflicted and that he should expect more challenges in the days ahead.
The political crisis in Rivers took a new dimension following a Supreme Court ruling that ordered a freeze on federal allocations to the state. The court’s decision mandates that Fubara must present the 2025 budget before the state House of Assembly before any funds can be released. However, the Assembly remains under the control of Martins Amaewhule, a loyalist of Wike, who recently adjourned plenary indefinitely. This move effectively blocks Fubara from presenting the budget, plunging the state into financial uncertainty. With the inability to access federal allocations, the governance of Rivers is now at a standstill, creating concerns about the economic impact on the people of the state.
Wike’s remarks have further deepened the crisis, fueling speculations about the future of Rivers State under the current administration. Political analysts have warned that the prolonged power tussle between Wike and Fubara could destabilize governance and affect development projects in the state. With no resolution in sight, the people of Rivers are left to bear the consequences of a political conflict that continues to dominate national discourse.
The unfolding events in Rivers State have drawn the attention of stakeholders across the country, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Observers believe that unless urgent steps are taken to address the political impasse, the situation could spiral into a deeper constitutional and administrative crisis. The battle for control over the state government has turned into a high-stakes political war, with both camps refusing to back down.
As the drama unfolds, Rivers residents remain anxious about what the coming weeks will bring. With the Supreme Court’s intervention and the continued struggle for dominance between Wike and Fubara, all eyes are now on the next move from both factions. Political observers are closely monitoring developments to see whether a resolution will be reached or if the crisis will continue to escalate.
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