President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to suspend Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for six months has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for equity in addressing the ongoing political crisis in the state. While the presidency cites the suspension as a constitutional remedy to restore peace and order in Rivers State, the glaring omission of the role played by former Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calls into question the impartiality and fairness of this decision.
The crisis in Rivers State stems from a power tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Since leaving office, Wike has continued to exert significant political influence over the state, often clashing with Fubara’s administration. Reports suggest that this conflict is the primary reason for the state’s political instability, culminating in the controversial demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly building in December 2023—a decision President Tinubu has used as a key justification for his action. However, the broader context reveals that Wike’s meddling in Rivers State politics has significantly contributed to the stalemate. His refusal to relinquish control over state affairs, coupled with the emerging resistance from Governor Fubara, has left Rivers State in a state of governance paralysis. Suspending only one party in this dispute while allowing the other to continue wielding influence sends a troubling message about the selective application of justice.
President Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers State is unprecedented but far from comprehensive. By suspending the governor, deputy governor, and all members of the state assembly, the president has essentially halted all democratic processes in the state. While this move is presented as a constitutional measure to restore peace and order, it fails to address the root cause of the crisis—the unresolved power struggle between Fubara and Wike.
It is no secret that Nyesom Wike’s involvement in Rivers State politics has been both direct and disruptive. Even as the Minister of the FCT, he has maintained an active interest in the affairs of his home state, often positioning himself as a kingmaker. His continued interference not only undermines the authority of the sitting governor but also exacerbates tensions within the state’s political ecosystem. The president’s failure to include Wike in the scope of his intervention suggests a lack of even-handedness, raising questions about whether this decision is motivated by political expediency rather than genuine concern for the welfare of Rivers State.
For any remedial measure to be effective in resolving the Rivers State crisis, it must address all parties involved. The suspension of Governor Fubara and other state officials, without corresponding action against Wike, is an incomplete and biased approach. This selective intervention risks deepening the political divide in Rivers State and eroding public trust in the presidency’s ability to act as an impartial arbiter in times of crisis.
Nyesom Wike’s role in the Rivers State crisis cannot be ignored. His actions, both past and present, have significantly contributed to the current impasse. If extraordinary measures are required to restore peace and order, they must include an immediate suspension of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT, pending a thorough investigation into his involvement in the political turmoil in Rivers State.
President Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate consistency, fairness, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law. Selective justice, as seen in the handling of the Rivers State crisis, undermines the credibility of the presidency and sets a dangerous precedent for addressing political disputes in Nigeria. Nigerians expect their leaders to act with integrity and impartiality, especially when dealing with matters that affect the stability and development of the nation.
We, therefore, call on President Tinubu to take immediate steps to rectify this oversight. A truly equitable resolution to the Rivers State crisis requires holding all parties accountable, including Nyesom Wike. The suspension of Governor Fubara and his deputy must be complemented by similar action against Wike to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
The people of Rivers State deserve leaders who prioritize their welfare over personal and political vendettas. They also deserve a federal government that upholds the principles of equity, justice, and the rule of law. President Tinubu’s intervention, in its current form, falls short of these expectations. By addressing the role of Nyesom Wike in the crisis and ensuring a balanced approach, the president can restore public confidence in the federal government’s commitment to resolving conflicts impartially.
Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of fairness and accountability. It is now up to President Tinubu to uphold these principles and demonstrate that his administration is guided by the best interests of all Nigerians, not the influence of a few political actors. The time for comprehensive and impartial action is now. Anything less risks further destabilizing Rivers State and eroding the progress Nigeria has made in strengthening its democratic institutions.
Kindly comment on this article on whether the President was right or wrong with his actions in Rivers State.
