Supreme Court Victory Reignites Crisis Between Wike and Fubara in Rivers State
Despite some aspects of the peace accord signed by the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and his godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the ongoing crisis between the two seems far from over.
Recently, political thugs suspected to be hoodlums vandalized canopies and chairs set up for a celebration of Governor Fubara’s Supreme Court victory in Ahoada West Council of the State. This victory, which was delivered on January 25, 2024, dismissed applications of Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the March 2023 elections. Supporters of Governor Fubara have been celebrating since the Supreme Court judgment, as it has prolonged the battle between him and Wike.
Despite the disruptions, the event was relocated to another venue, where the Chairman of the council, Hope Ikiriko, refuted allegations that he sent hoodlums to disrupt the rally. The rally proceeded successfully at the new location, where Sokari Goodboy, the leader of Fubara supporters in Ahoada West, and one of the four Assembly members loyal to him, called for the attention of President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to the provocative actions.
At the rally, former Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, disclosed that detractors were paid substantial amounts to sabotage governance in the state and unseat the governor. He emphasized that detractors fear Fubara’s massive support, leading them to resort to intimidation and harassment of the governor’s supporters.
Meanwhile, Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the restoration of peace in the state and the independence of the executive, legislature, and judiciary to President Tinubu’s intervention. Wike expressed his satisfaction with the functioning of all three arms of government, crediting the President for the positive changes.
The Guardian
