Tensions, Betrayals, And Legal Battles: The Chronicles OF Wike vs. Fubara In Rivers State

The situation took a violent turn on 29 October 2023, when a section of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was bombed, further intensifying political unrest. Fubara and Wike have been locked in a protracted power struggle for control over political structures in the state, with both sides vying for influence.

On 7 October 2024, the conflict escalated when three local government secretariats were set on fire, fueling fears of widespread instability.

The crisis deepened in December 2023 when 27 lawmakers from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking a constitutional debate. The Rivers State High Court ruled that the defecting lawmakers’ seats were vacant, a decision that was challenged, leading to a series of ongoing legal battles.

These escalating events culminated in President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in the state, aiming to restore stability and address the ongoing political turmoil.

Here’s a timeline of the key events in the Rivers political crisis:

• 29 October 2023: A section of the State House of Assembly Complex was bombed ahead of an impeachment attempt on Governor Fubara.
• 30 October 2023: Lawmakers, supported by Wike, initiated impeachment proceedings against Fubara.
• 31 October 2023: President Bola Tinubu mediated the rift between Fubara and Wike, but the mediation failed quickly.
• 11 December 2023: The 27 pro-Wike lawmakers announced their defection from PDP to APC.
• 12 December 2023: A State High Court in Port Harcourt allowed Fubara’s four-member Assembly to conduct legislative business.
• 13 December 2023: The four-member faction declared the seats of the 27 defectors vacant, setting the stage for further conflict.
• 14 December 2023: Fubara signed the N800 billion 2024 budget into law, triggering resignations from key figures.
• 18 December 2023: Fubara and Wike signed a peace deal under President Tinubu’s mediation.
• 20 December 2023: Lawmakers withdrew the impeachment notice against Governor Fubara.
• 31 December 2023: Ehie, the factional speaker, resigned.
• January 2024: Several significant legal and political developments, including budget challenges and cabinet reshuffles.
• March 2025: The political battle reached a new height as President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara and his deputy, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State.

This timeline highlights the ongoing volatility and tension between Fubara and Wike, which has now reached a national scale.