Politics
Rivers Political Turmoil: Pendulum Swings In Favour Wike’s Camp
The pendulum in the power-play in Rivers State, marked by fierce battles for supremacy between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has swung again.
This time, pundits fear that Wike has been handed the initiative with the Court of Appeal, having set aside an ex parte order given by the Rivers State High Court, in Port Harcourt, on May 10, 2024 which declared the seats of the lawmakers loyal to the minister vacant.
https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/crg46wzlkgwo
The ex parte order also stopped Martin Amaewhule from parading himself as Speaker of the RSHA.
The appellate court also dismissed the decision of the State High Court stopping 24 other members of the Assembly from accessing the complex or carrying out any such legislative assignment in the name of the RSHA.
Amaewhule and other aggrieved lawmakers had gone before the appellate court for the determination of the jurisdiction of a lower court to hear and also grant and ex parte order, on a matter held that the federal.
The appellate observed that the federal high court was exclusively and mandatorily the only court empowered to hear such matters and not a State High Court, citing section 273 of the Constitution.
The three-man panel led by Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada therefore upheld the appeal filed by a factional speaker of the RSHA, Amaewhule and 24 others against the Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo and two others.
It is noteworthy that only the Federal High Court and no other court has the jurisdiction to determine cases of tenures and vacancies of the House of Assembly, Governors and President and not the State High Courts (Rivers State High Inclusive).
“From the foregoing, it is of the view of the learned judges that there was no contention on the speakership of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewule from the records, and therefore, remains the speaker,” Justice Jimi Olukayode-Bada held.
Observers are wondering what would be the fate of the Gov Fubara, with Wike and his army likely to take finish him off with an impeachment, so as to take absolute control of Rivers State.
Deji Adeyanju, a Nigerian activist and lawyer, has made explosive claims regarding the 2023 presidential election, suggesting that former Labour Party (LP) candidate Peter Obi and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso secretly supported President Bola Tinubu’s campaign.
In a post shared on his 𝕏 page Thursday, Adeyanju contended that Obi, who ran against Tinubu, would likely continue to support the president in future political endeavors.
He expressed certainty that Obi would decline any efforts to form a coalition aimed at challenging Tinubu in the next election.
READ ALSO: Lad Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Apprehended For Street Fighting – Police
“I’m 100% convinced that Obi worked for Tinubu in 2023 and will do so again. I might be wrong, but I’m convinced in my mind about this,” Adeyanju wrote.
“Once a businessman, always a businessman. Those still in doubt will see the clear handwriting before 2027. He will refuse to join the coalition,” he continued.
Additionally, Adeyanju accused Kwankwaso of working in favor of Tinubu during the previous election.
He emphasized that for any opposition coalition to succeed in the 2027 race, figures like Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar—another presidential hopeful—must step aside.
“For the coalition to succeed, all the self-centered politicians like Atiku & Obi should promise not to run and allow neutral folks to run against Tinubu,” Adeyanju proposed. “This is how to put the interest of the nation above personal interest,” he added.
The activist went on to criticize the culture surrounding Nigerian politics, describing it as an industry driven by opportunism.
He lamented the presence of “merchants” surrounding top politicians, accusing them of putting personal gain ahead of the country’s well-being. “The biggest industry in Africa is politics,” Adeyanju said.
“And those around popular politicians are all merchants. Once politics is around the corner, they are in business. Con men and women who just want to cash out.”
Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, attended his first National Economic Council (NEC) meeting today at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Ibas was appointed to the position by President Bola Tinubu following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara in March 2025.
READ MORE: Tinubu Swears In Ibas As Rivers Sole Administrator
The NEC meeting, which is being presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gathered a number of state governors and deputy governors from across the 36 states of Nigeria to discuss important national economic issues.
Among the notable figures in attendance was Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Governor Oborevwori led the opening prayers at the meeting on the instruction of Vice President Shettima.
Other state governors present included Rev. Fr. Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazak of Kwara, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, and Bassey Otu of Cross River, along with several deputy governors.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he was elected in 2023.
The switch was confirmed on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba.
According to his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the decision came after extensive deliberations.
READ ALSO: Edo LP Senator, Neda Imasuen Set To Join APC
“This move followed wide consultations with political stakeholders and is in the interest of Delta’s long-term development,” Ahon stated.
Oborevwori was welcomed into the APC by senior party figures, marking what observers are calling a calculated political maneuver with potential ramifications for the 2027 elections.
More to follow…………..
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