Rivers Crisis: South-South Governors, N’Assembly Make Move to End Battle Between Wike, Fubara
The problem in Rivers state is being worked on by political leaders, particularly South-South governors, after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency on March 18. With efforts spearheaded by the Senate and South-South governors, the Presidency maintained that the emergency rule is a short-term solution to facilitate reconciliation. The adviser to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is in favor of mediation but disapproves of Fubara’s handling of the Supreme Court’s decision.
According to several Presidency sources, South-South political leaders—in particular, governors—are attempting to bring the warring factions in Rivers state together. This action follows President Bola Tinubu’s March 18 declaration of a state of emergency, which cited attacks on oil infrastructure and a breakdown in governance brought on by the dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the state’s parliament.
In Rivers State, prominent political figures have taken steps to bring Siminalayi Fubara and pro-Wike politicians together.
Tinubu suspended the Rivers State House of Assembly, Fubara, and his deputy Ngozi Odu as part of the emergency measures. He designated Ibok-Ette Ibas, a retired Chief of Naval Staff, as the only administrator in their stead.
Although several stakeholders have decried the move as excessive, the President used Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as modified) to support his decision.
According to sources close to the presidency, the emergency rule is only a short-term solution meant to promote peace between the warring parties. According to one source, “the emergency rule is intended to give both parties time to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful discussions.”
The sources further affirmed that well-known individuals are actively supporting efforts at reconciliation, such as the Senate and South-South governors. In accordance with the National Assembly’s proposals, a mediation panel may also be established.
Making sure that reconciliation occurs is part of the responsibilities of the sole administrator as well. Stabilizing the state and uniting the opposing factions for peace and advancement is his mandate, according to another official.
Representatives organize the Rivers Assembly committee
A committee to oversee the operations of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be announced by the House of Representatives. In a phone conversation on Sunday, Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese revealed this, adding that talks are still taking place both inside and outside the National Assembly.
“The issue is being addressed by the Speaker and House leadership, and a public statement about the committee that will be formed will be made shortly. Restoring peace in Rivers State is the House’s top priority right now, Agbese stated.
In the past, Tinubu’s request that the administrator submit a report to the Federal Executive Council has drawn criticism from the House. Lawmakers contended that Section 11, which gives the National Assembly the power to enact laws on behalf of a state assembly when it becomes dysfunctional, must be taken into account in addition to the President’s reliance on Section 305 of the Constitution.
The response from FCT Minister Wike’s side
According to Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Minister Nyesom Wike has nothing against peace negotiations. But he emphasized that Fubara ought to have put the Supreme Court’s ruling into effect as soon as it was handed down.
“The minister is amenable to peace talks. The National Assembly is responsible for mediating. The Presidency is free to follow suit if they so choose,” Olayinka said.
In response to demands that Wike be removed from the President’s cabinet because of the problem, Olayinka brushed those proposals aside. He went on to say, “People can always talk, but whether their remarks are reasonable is another issue.”
Fubara is receptive to discussion
Jerry Omatsogunwa, Fubara’s Special Assistant on Electronic Media, reiterated the governor’s dedication to peace, saying he has continuously offered the Assembly an olive branch.
“You can see that the Assembly has been the aggressor and the governor has been the calm one if you trace the circumstances that led to the emergency rule. They adjourned sine die, Omatsogunwa stated, rather than answering his request for discussion.
He also underlined that Fubara has started putting the Supreme Court ruling into effect.
“The governor has adopted a calm demeanor. The true inquiry is if the MPs, who appear to be following Abuja’s instructions, are open to accepting mediation.
