Political tensions in Rivers State have intensified following accusations by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who has implicated Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the mastermind behind the violence that erupted after the local government elections on Saturday.
Wike, who previously supported Fubara’s candidacy, has expressed concerns over the deteriorating political climate in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Wike criticized Fubara’s leadership, suggesting that his actions have contributed to the unrest.
“There is no decent person who would support violence and destruction,” Wike stated, emphasizing the need to examine the underlying causes of the violence.
He condemned what he perceives as a disregard for the rule of law in the state, urging adherence to court judgments to prevent anarchy.
Wike accused Fubara of ignoring a critical court ruling related to the elections, which he argued was respected by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
“The governor went on television to say the judgment did not state we should not conduct elections… This means he is inviting violence and hoodlums to take advantage of the situation,” Wike claimed, asserting that Fubara is the “architect of the violence.”
This escalating conflict between Wike and Fubara is seen as a major factor contributing to the political divisions and animosity within Rivers State since Fubara assumed office. The rift intensified over the past year, culminating in an attempted impeachment of the governor last October.
Wike’s allegations come at a critical juncture, as the political landscape in Rivers remains fraught with instability. He expressed concern over the implications for democracy, questioning whether those who disregard court rulings are truly committed to democratic principles.
“If you must conduct an election, you must follow due process,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Diran Odeyemi, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has linked the ongoing political crisis in Rivers to former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and Wike.
Odeyemi urged Atiku to reconsider any ambitions for the PDP’s presidential candidacy in light of the current political turbulence, while also calling on Wike to commit to peace within the party.
In response to the violence, the newly appointed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, vowed to restore order in the affected Local Government Areas (LGAs). During his inaugural media briefing, he pledged to take swift action to address the unrest that has gripped parts of the state, following the outbreaks of arson and violence.
