President Bola Tinubu is expected to bring his renowned leadership approach to resolving the Rivers State political crisis, just as he did in defusing tensions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In Lagos, the president’s intervention facilitated the reinstatement of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker while Mojisola Meranda resumed her role as Deputy Speaker. By inviting both factions to the State House in Abuja, Tinubu successfully eased tensions, with all parties emerging in agreement and the crisis seemingly resolved.
Now, Rivers State faces a critical moment following the Supreme Court’s ruling, which recognized the Martin Amaewhule-led 27-member House of Assembly and suspended federal allocations to the state until the verdict is fully implemented. The challenge now is ensuring the ruling is enforced without deepening existing divisions.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged to comply with the judgment and cooperate with the pro-Wike House of Assembly. However, the lawmakers, having been sidelined for over 16 months, appear intent on asserting their newly affirmed authority—potentially setting the stage for impeachment proceedings against the governor.
This growing tension is reviving ethnic sentiments that have remained largely subdued in Rivers State since 1999. Some pro-Fubara Ijaw groups have issued strong warnings against any attempt to remove the governor, a threat that former Governor Nyesom Wike recently dismissed in a media briefing.
The escalating situation is concerning. While the Supreme Court ruling must be implemented, it is crucial that this is done in a way that preserves peace and stability in Rivers State. No party should exploit the verdict to dominate the other. In such delicate circumstances, force should not override reason.
Much like in Lagos, diplomacy and consensus are essential. We urge President Tinubu to take a similar fatherly approach by engaging both Governor Fubara and Minister Wike in private discussions, securing their commitment to peace, and holding them accountable for maintaining stability.
To de-escalate tensions, all legal disputes should be withdrawn, the impeachment threat against Governor Fubara should be dropped, and the House of Assembly should reconvene under Amaewhule’s leadership. Additionally, the 27 lawmakers should receive their outstanding entitlements to foster reconciliation.
No faction should be allowed to overplay its hand. Every effort must be made to safeguard peace and ensure governance continues without disruption.
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