The political crisis in Rivers State is getting messier with each passing day. Among all the states in the federation, Rivers State has unarguably gained the notoriety of being always embroiled in bitter political crisis. In less than six months after he assumed office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is fighting for his political survival.
Recently, some members of the Rivers State House of Assembly attempted to initiate impeachment proceedings against Fubara. This led to the factionalisation of the Assembly, with 27 lawmakers, who are against Governor Fubara, on one side and four lawmakers, who support him, on the other side. The G27 lawmakers have Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, while G4 lawmakers have Edison Ehie as Speaker.
As the factions in the Assembly were engaged in a battle of wits, the State House of Assembly complex was rocked by explosion and fire. Consequently, the state government sent bulldozers to the Assembly complex last Wednesday and demolished the entire structure. Later, the government explained that the demolition was because of the structural defects that arose from the explosion and fire that rocked the complex in October. According to the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, experts warned that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous.
Before the demolition, suspected gunmen had reportedly attacked the residence of Ehie, the factional Speaker, who was recognised by the court last week. The gunmen were allegedly led by a senior police officer in the state. The Ehie faction had received and passed the governor’s 2024 budget proposal at a sitting in the Government House.
It would be noted that President Bola Tinubu had made an intervention to calm frayed nerves. After a peace meeting in Abuja, Fubara gave an assurance that peace would return in order to advance the development of Rivers State. But, the reconciliatory efforts appear to be fruitless as the G27 lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). On Thursday, December 14, 2023, four commissioners in the Rivers State government tendered their resignations. They include the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, SAN; Commissioner for Works, Dax George Kelly; the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu and Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inimie Aguma. The four former commissioners cited “personal reasons” for their action.
It is quite disturbing that this fight started just less than six months into the new administration in the state. At a time when the Executive and Legislature should be working together to advance the development of the state, they are fighting because of personal ego. Already, the crisis has caused collateral damage. The Assembly Complex has been demolished and funds, which should have been used for other things, would be channeled to rebuild it. The crisis has created unnecessary tension and impinges on the growth and development of the state. Governance is also affected. This is not a good advertisement for our democracy and may engulf the entire nation if care is not taken.
We feel concerned about the unfolding political events in Rivers State and wish to call on elders and major stakeholders of the state and Niger Delta region to speak out. Elder statesman and South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has taken the lead. While urging President Tinubu to intervene, he said Rivers State was very important to the stability of the Niger Delta and the overall national economy. “Therefore, any breakdown of law and order there will not be in the overall interest of all,” Clark warned.
We also call on the President to again step into the matter, with the view to resolving the crisis. The parties concerned should sheathe their swords. The inability to do this may lead to the escalation of the crisis. The individual differences between two politicians or political groups should not be allowed to hamper governance. Efforts must be made to nip the problem and some other unfolding incidents in the bud.
No doubt, Rivers State needs peace. The governor also needs peace to focus on delivering the dividends of democracy to his people. He needs the support of the State House of Assembly to do this. Nigeria is currently buffeted by a myriad of problems. We cannot afford to allow Rivers State to turn into rivers of blood. At all times, the interest and welfare of the people must be paramount.