PORT HARCOURT — As the smoke clears from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s dramatic cabinet dissolution, a fresh perspective on the Rivers State power struggle has emerged, suggesting that the “patience” shown by the Governor might be his unique cross to bear—one that others in the state’s hierarchy may not be willing to carry.
Speaking in a recent interview on News Central TV, noted political analyst Caleb Fubara provided a searing look into the internal mechanics of the feud between the Governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. His assessment was blunt: “What Fubara is enduring and has endured all the while, Amaewhule will not take it from Wike.”
The Endurance Gap
Caleb Fubara argued that the Governor has operated under an unprecedented level of external pressure and administrative interference from his predecessor. However, he pointed to Speaker Martins Amaewhule as a potential “counterbalance” who possesses a different threshold for political domination.
The analyst suggested that while the Governor has attempted to navigate the crisis through strategic silence and executive “resets,” the leadership of the House of Assembly represents a resilient faction that is increasingly unwilling to let the shadow of the past loom over the present governance of the state.
A Legacy of Shadows
The crisis, according to the analyst, isn’t just a two-man war. He traced the roots of the current gridlock back to the entrenched legacies of former leaders like Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi.
- The Struggle: These historical power blocs continue to shape decisions in Rivers, complicating Governor Fubara’s quest for independent authority.
- The Toll: This constant tug-of-war has created a “prolonged struggle over authority” that has often left the state’s development in the backseat.
The Rise of “Rivers Awake”
Beyond the walls of the Government House, the analyst highlighted a glimmer of hope in the form of grassroots movements. He specifically noted the emergence of groups like “Rivers Awake,” which are advocating for:
- Transparency: Moving away from “godfatherism” toward open governance.
- Accountability: Holding both the executive and the legislature to the promises made to the electorate.
- Citizen Empowerment: Ensuring the people are no longer just spectators in a political chess game.
The Road to Stability
Caleb Fubara concluded with a sobering warning: Rivers State cannot achieve true stability until its leaders prioritize the state’s progress over personal ego or political “territory.” He argued that the current systemic power struggles are eroding public confidence and could ultimately undermine the democratic process if a genuine truce isn’t reached.
As the state prepares for the screening of a new cabinet, the question remains: Will the House of Assembly, led by Amaewhule, act as a bridge to peace or the final wall in Fubara’s path?
