Politics
Why Tinubu Must Douse Political Flames In Rivers State
Besides former governor of Rivers State, Nysom Wike ensuring the emergence of Siminalayi Fubara as his successor, not much was in the public space about the two before the firing of rockets on Sunday night.
However, no one can deny knowledge of the fact that the game is politics. The aim is fortune and fame, while the ammunition for political ambitions are the peoples blood and their well-being.
If a civil conflict of political gladiators was teed-off with rockets at the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Complex, it is left for the public to imagine what could follow.
In less than 24 hours, the warlords have demonstrated a level of desperation that serious countries cannot ignore.
Recall that the people of Rivers State and indeed Nigeria had gone to bed, hoping to wake up to a peaceful working week, before the political hawks struck with the salvo of a bomb.
A bomb, heralding a civil conflict?
However, before the public could place the warfare properly, many thought it was mere accident, within 12 hours, members of the RSHA, said to be numbered 24, had removed the majority leader, Edison Ehie and served an impeachment notice on Gov Fubara.
The move, now being interpreted as being the script of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had one objective, conquer and annex Rivers State to Wike’s political empire.
Those behind the firebomb would have been taken aback that men of the Rivers State Fire Service were able to douse the flames from the bomb on Sunday.
Undeterred, the legislators met early Monday morning and signed an impeachment notice against the governor.
It was gathered that the anti-Fubara lawmakers, led by Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, met at about 6am on Monday, to perfect the impeachment notice.
In addition to removing the majority leader, Hon Ehie, other legislators opposed to the impeachment of the governor were suspended.
Among the lawmakers suspended were Hon Sokari Goodboy Sokari, representing Ahoada West, Hon Adolphus Oruibienimigha, representing Opobo/Nkoro and Hon Victor Oko Jumbo, representing Bonny.
From the notice of impeachment, made public by Hon Sylvanus Nwankwo, the member representing Omuma constituency, the notice was brought pursuant to section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
According to him, the impeachment notice was predicated on “gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of the office of the governor.’’
The public is sending grave danger, not just for Rivers State, but the entire Niger Delta, the national economy and the peace of Nigeria.
They point to how hostilities in the Niger Delta crippled Nigeria’s economy until late President Umoru Yaradua came up with the amnesty initiative.
They also note that the economic muscle of Rivers State is such that whoever is governor can impact the steering of the political ship of the Nigerian state.
The roles of Rotimi Amaechi in ousting Goodluck Jonathan, which aided Muhammadu Buhari into office, and that of Wike in enthroning Tinubu are fresh in the minds of political watchers.
Probably for these reasons, elder statesman and the leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, has urged President Tinubu to call Wike and the security forces in Rivers State to order.
Chief Clark expressed great concern over the political fireworks witnessed in Rivers State between Sunday and Monday.
He said, “I have been reliably informed that there is a plot to unlawfully remove Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State, who has spent only about five months in office.
“I understand the sad episode is being orchestrated by the immediate past governor of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.
“And that the intention is to remove the governor, force his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu to resign, and install the Speaker of the House of Assembly, another Ikwerre person, as the governor of the state. Let me warn strongly, we won’t allow that to happen!
“President Bola Tinubu must call Nyesom Wike and the security agencies in Rivers State to order, to avert any untold crisis in Rivers State.”
Recounting what has transpired in the melodrama, Chief Clark noted, “Last night, the hallowed chamber of the Rivers State House of Assembly was burnt in what apparently is part of the plot to destabilize the state.
“The governor was tear-gassed and was even threatened with being shot at when he visited the assembly complex after the incident to assess the level of damage.
“We are not in a barbaric state where people can do whatever they like; we are in a democracy and the tenets of constitutional democracy must be upheld by all.’’
On the larger picture, the elder statesman cautioned against fomenting political crisis in Rivers State which could have wider implications for the Niger Delta region.
“Rivers people have suffered enough political crises. The state should not be allowed to degenerate again into its dark past, and the Niger Delta region by extension.
“The consequences would be dire for the stability of the region and the national economy.
“What has Governor Fubara done wrong? Refusing to be further ‘remote controlled’?
“Mr Nyesom Wike was governor for eight years, nobody hassled him. He governed Rivers State like an emperor, he did not show any iota of respect and regard to anyone, not even those who imposed him on Rivers people in 2015.
“President Tinubu must act fast and avert the unfolding crisis in Rivers State in the interest of his administration, the nation’s democracy, and the country at large. A word is enough for the wise.”
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.
Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.
ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back
“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.
The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.
He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.
Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.
In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.
He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.
Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.
Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.
He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.
There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.
The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.
However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.
ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition
Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.
He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.
As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.
The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.
Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.
The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.
SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja
Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.
He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.
In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.
The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.
The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.
Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.
The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.
As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.
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