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Elders from Rivers State have publicly declared their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara in his ongoing political conflict with his predecessor, now Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Prominent members of the Rivers State Elders Council, including High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, alongside influential figures like the Convener of the Coalition of Rivers State Leaders of Thought, High Chief Sunnie Chukumele, and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, have thrown their weight behind Fubara. They emphasized the importance of Fubara’s leadership and his commitment to delivering tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State.
Chief Rufus Ada-George, leading the elders council, has been particularly vocal about the political unrest in the state. “We urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in the actions of the minister,” Ada-George stated during a recent press conference.
The conflict traces back to Wike’s endorsement of Fubara as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 elections, a move that sparked controversy within the party. Despite opposition from prominent figures like Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, and former deputy governor Tele Ikuru, Fubara emerged victorious in both the party primaries and the subsequent gubernatorial election.
Tensions escalated when Fubara’s attempts to appoint his cabinet faced resistance, including restrictions on key appointments and financial allocations. At one point, Governor Fubara was reportedly on the brink of resignation due to these constraints but was persuaded to remain in office by stakeholders.
The situation deteriorated further with an alleged plot to change the leadership of the State House of Assembly, culminating in an explosion at the Assembly complex and its subsequent demolition under Fubara’s directive. Following this, the Assembly split, with lawmakers defecting and aligning with different factions. Fubara recognized one faction, which quickly passed and signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Despite interventions by President Tinubu and agreements to resolve the conflict, including the resignation of nine pro-Wike commissioners, the crisis persisted. Several high-profile resignations, including those of Adangor and Kamalu, followed, with commissioners citing reasons such as a hostile work environment and political instability.
Most recently, five pro-Wike commissioners resigned amid speculation of Fubara’s intention to probe Wike, citing similar reasons for their departure. “The political climate has become untenable,” said one of the resigning commissioners, highlighting the ongoing instability within the state administration.
As the conflict continues, the elders of Rivers State remain steadfast in their support for Governor Fubara, calling for unity and decisive action to restore peace and effective governance in the state.
