Stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have expressed varied views on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attempt to prevent the State House of Assembly’s impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu.
According to reports, President Tinubu directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, to persuade Assembly lawmakers to withdraw the governor’s impeachment threat and restore calm to the state.
Speaking on the development, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) said the President’s position on the Rivers State political crisis was confusing, adding that “if I were the governor of Rivers State, there is no way Wike, a minister, would be the political leader of the state”.
Sara-Igbe emphasized that the President cannot face “evil” and pretend that everything is fine in the state. “We are not in a military dictatorship, and Rivers residents are dissatisfied with what is occurring in the state. All politicians are self-centered, and President Tinubu is primarily engaged in his 2027 re-election bid.”
According to the former security adviser to the Rivers State Government, “when Wike was governor, he never went to late Muhammadu Buhari for anything, so why should he be disturbing Sim, making him go to Tinubu every time for help over the political crisis in the state?”
“President Tinubu is a smart politician who knows what he wants and goes all out for it,” said Joseph Ambakaderimo, convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG) and chairman of the Community Committee of Oil and Gas Producing Areas of the Niger Delta States.
Ambakaderimo, who was pleased with the President’s move to save Governor Fubara from another round of impeachment, cautioned Tinubu to be “very careful about those pushing him against the FCT Minister, Wike,” adding that “Wike is to Tinubu what the late Tony Anenih was to former President Obasanjo.”
He claimed that Fubara lacks the capacity to get the same amount of votes for Tinubu as Wike did in 2023. “It is only Wike and Fubara who can solve their difficulties, not the President or anyone else. I believe the President’s stance is for the greater interest of Rivers State and its people.”
Dr. Jackson Omenazu, Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (IJSJHR), who also described President Tinubu’s move on Rivers politics as a wise decision, stated that the President’s political style should be evaluated for correct comprehension.
“According to the APC manifesto, there are no positions for two leaders in the same state. Why can’t Fubara become the political head of Rivers State? Is this what happens in other APC-ruled states? The national APC leadership should not be neutral in this case.”
Omenazu stated that the law of equity is completely lacking in Rivers State, and that “Governor Fubara is highly subjugated.” Tinubu’s actions are not presidential enough. He was a governor previously. Wike was also a governor. Were they treated the same way they treat Fubara now?”
The rights activist pointed out that only the APC’s national chairman, not the President, has the legal authority to determine who is a political leader in a state.
