By: Daure David
In a press statement released earlier today, Nigeria’s opposition lawmakers coalition has expressed serious concerns over a reported fresh plot by allies of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to destabilize Rivers State, undermine the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and disrupt the upcoming local government elections. The coalition claims that there are efforts underway to frustrate the passage of the 2025 budget, as directed by the Supreme Court, and to block the conduct of the local government elections by illegally amending laws governing the election process.
Addressing the press in a live broadcast, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the spokesperson for the coalition, warned of attempts by members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to Wike to obstruct the state budget’s passage and prevent the planned elections. The lawmakers are accused of seeking to amend local government laws to enable former local government chairmen, whose tenures had expired, to return to office. The opposition insists that these efforts will fail, stressing that the local government election, ordered by the Supreme Court, will proceed as scheduled.
“The Pro-Wike lawmakers’ plan to amend the LGA law to stop the election from holding will not succeed,” Hon. Ugochinyere declared. “The election will hold as set by the electoral bodies. No illegal amendment will thwart the will of the people.”
The opposition coalition also raised alarm over Wike’s alleged ongoing efforts to prevent the PDP from holding a convention, which is crucial for entering a potential merger and producing a presidential candidate. The coalition believes that Wike’s actions are designed to cause chaos and political instability in the state and beyond.
Despite the provocations from Wike’s group, the opposition commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to upholding the Supreme Court’s rulings. In the face of alleged attempts to destabilize the governance of Rivers State, the Governor has reportedly continued to implement the court’s directives and extended an olive branch to resolve the political tension.
“We commend Governor Fubara for his adherence to the Supreme Court ruling. Despite the provocation and betrayal of peace accords by Wike’s camp, Fubara has maintained his democratic spirit, accepted the Court’s judgement, and continued to govern responsibly,” the coalition’s statement reads.
The opposition also condemned the Pro-Wike lawmakers for refusing to engage in a constructive dialogue regarding the 2025 state budget. According to the statement, Fubara made several attempts to meet with the Assembly members to discuss solutions but was met with defiance.
However, the opposition coalition has vowed to resist any efforts by Wike and his allies to undermine the democratic process in Rivers State. The lawmakers have urged the people of Rivers State to remain resolute and assured them that the conduct of the local government elections will not be halted.
“The interests of Nyesom Wike are not about peace or progress. They are about control. As long as he is not in charge, no progress should be made,” the opposition coalition stated.
As the elections approach, political tensions in Rivers State remain high, with both sides preparing for what could be a decisive and contentious period in the state’s political history. The outcome of the local government elections and the passage of the state budget will likely serve as key indicators of the ongoing political struggle in Rivers State.
