Elders from Rivers State have thrown their weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara in his ongoing political showdown with his predecessor turned Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike.
These elders, comprising members of the Rivers State Elders Council such as High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe and Chief Asukewe Iko-Awaji, along with other 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, expressed their support for Fubara. They emphasized the importance of Fubara standing firm against Wike and delivering tangible benefits to the people of Rivers State.
Chief Rufus Ada-George, leading the elders council, has been particularly vocal about the political turmoil in the state. The council has consistently held press conferences, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene and rein in the actions of the minister.
Wike’s endorsement of Fubara as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 elections sparked controversy within the party. Despite opposition from 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.
However, tensions escalated when Fubara’s attempts to appoint his cabinet were reportedly met with resistance, including restrictions on key appointments and financial allocations.
An interview with Sunday PUNCH revealed that Governor Fubara was on the brink of resignation due to these constraints but was persuaded to stay 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 subsequent demolition under Fubara’s directive.
Following the split in the Assembly, with lawmakers defecting and aligning with different factions, Fubara recognized one faction, which swiftly 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.