Rivers State Descends Into anarchy

Rivers State Descends Into anarchy....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presided over Rivers State amidst escalating political tensions that threaten to destabilize the region. The recent flashpoint occurred with the expiration of tenure for 23 local government chairmen and councillors, triggering a bitter dispute over their continued occupancy. Governor Fubara, supported by his allies, forcibly removed them, leading to violent clashes that resulted in fatalities at the Eberi-Omuma secretariat in Omuma Local Government Area.

Central to this strife is the longstanding rivalry between Governor Fubara and his former mentor, Nyesom Wike, the former governor now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Despite initially backing Fubara’s ascent to power in 2023, Wike’s relationship with his protege has soured, exacerbating political divisions within the state.

In defiance of their removal, 20 chairmen, including staunch Wike loyalists from areas like Eleme, Port Harcourt City, and Obio/Akpor, claimed an extension of their terms under a disputed legislative enactment led by Martin Amaewhule, the factional Speaker loyal to Wike. Governor Fubara, supported by law enforcement, swiftly installed 23 caretaker chairpersons to manage local governance, a move criticized as unconstitutional and emblematic of wider governance issues in states like Oyo, Plateau, and Benue.

This contentious maneuvering underscores broader concerns about gubernatorial overreach in local government affairs, prompting legal challenges to safeguard local autonomy. The Federal Government’s recent Supreme Court lawsuit against all 36 states seeks to prevent the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local government executives, framing such actions as a misuse of power.

Meanwhile, tensions continue to mount as Fubara and Wike vie for supremacy, punctuated by previous incidents such as the bombing of the House of Assembly in 2023 and subsequent interventions by national figures like President Bola Tinubu. Despite efforts to broker peace, including a temporary truce that has since faltered, Rivers State remains on edge, exacerbated by its history of economic prominence juxtaposed with volatility from oil-related conflicts.

As the situation unfolds, the impartiality of law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, remains pivotal in preventing further escalation. They must refrain from partisan interference and uphold their mandate to protect citizens and uphold the rule of law, while resisting undue political influence.

In conclusion, the governance crisis in Rivers State demands cautious navigation from both Fubara and Wike to avert a descent into further chaos. Stakeholders must prioritize dialogue and adherence to constitutional norms to restore stability and preserve the state’s economic vitality and social harmony.