Rivers Political Tension Escalates As Fubara And Wike’s Supporters Challenge New Administrator Appointment

Both factions loyal to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and Fubara argue that many of the new appointees had previously worked together before the political crisis, intensifying existing divisions within the state.

On Thursday, Ibas announced the appointments of administrators for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) to manage council affairs. Additionally, key positions, including members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Civil Service Commission, and Local Government Service Commission, were filled.

However, Fubara’s supporters have voiced strong opposition, accusing Ibas of deepening the political crisis. The Initiative for Transparency, Strategy, and Good Leadership, a group critical of the appointments, claimed that all those appointed to the 23 LGAs are staunch supporters of Minister Wike.

Chizi Enyi, the President-General of the group, spoke out in Port Harcourt, condemning the appointments as “unconstitutional” and insinuating that Wike’s recent visit to the state may have influenced Ibas’ decisions. Enyi further argued that since taking office, Ibas had not engaged in peace talks with political stakeholders but had instead made appointments under questionable circumstances.

The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, urging him to caution Ibas against further destabilizing the state.

The Rivers Emancipation Movement also expressed concern over Ibas’ perceived bias in his appointments. The movement warned that mass action would follow unless the appointments were reversed. Solomon Tamunotonye, National President of the group, emphasized that Ibas’ decisions, particularly in Port Harcourt City LGA, showed clear favoritism toward Wike’s loyalists, further inflaming the already polarized situation