The Rivers State crisis is escalating, with former Governor Rotimi Amaechi warning Governor Siminalayi Fubara that the massive public support he’s receiving isn’t genuine love, but rather a backlash against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Amaechi advised Fubara to be cautious, as this support could be fleeting.
Fubara resumed duties after a state of emergency was lifted, but concerns over financial misappropriation have been raised. During his removal, allegations emerged of significant financial irregularities, including extra-budgetary spending exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding statutory funds for the Assembly Service Commission, and demolition of the Assembly complex. Civil society groups are calling for investigations into these allegations, but no action has been taken yet.
Prior to Fubara’s return, President Bola Tinubu brokered a peace agreement that curtailed Fubara’s powers, handing control to Wike. The agreement included withdrawal of court cases, dropping impeachment proceedings, and budget presentation to a properly constituted Assembly. Fubara acknowledged Tinubu’s intervention saved his governorship and has since defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly seeking help from APC stakeholders like governors and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to reach out to Tinubu.
The crisis centers on control of Rivers State’s political structures, with Wike allegedly influencing state affairs despite Fubara being governor, raising concerns over governance and economic stagnation. Wike has denied rumors of collapsing, labeling them “politically motivated”, and assured President Tinubu of his support for 2027.
