South-South Leaders Split Over Tinubu’s Intervention In Rivers Political Crisis

South-South Leaders Split Over Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Political Crisis

The political landscape in Rivers State remains turbulent following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) regarding the ongoing dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The president’s directive has triggered mixed reactions from South-South leaders, highlighting deep-seated divisions within the region.

Former military governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, and former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah, led the PANDEF delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. PANDEF, a coalition of traditional rulers and stakeholders from the Niger Delta, sought Tinubu’s intervention in the escalating crisis. However, rather than offering a fresh mediation approach, the president urged PANDEF leaders to return home and advise Governor Fubara to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling.

Tinubu’s Stance Raises Concerns

While President Tinubu emphasized the importance of the rule of law in resolving the conflict, his position has been met with criticism. According to the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Tinubu’s directive appears to favor Wike, emboldening the FCT minister’s political stronghold in Rivers State. Okaba expressed disappointment in the way PANDEF was addressed, stating that the president’s remarks undermined genuine efforts for peace.

“The president’s statement only strengthens Wike’s grip over the state’s affairs. The political tension in Rivers State is not just a legal matter but also a test of fairness and equity,” Okaba remarked. He further warned that Tinubu’s handling of the situation could determine future reactions from the Ijaw people in the 2027 elections.

PANDEF’s Role in Mediation Questioned

Zik Gbemre, a Niger Delta activist, voiced skepticism about PANDEF’s ability to mediate the conflict impartially. According to him, the group’s Ijaw-dominated composition could make Wike’s camp unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations. Gbemre argued that alternative mediators should be considered to ensure a balanced resolution.

Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Uwemedimo Nwoko viewed Tinubu’s directive as unnecessary, stating that Governor Fubara has no option but to comply with the Supreme Court ruling. However, he questioned why Tinubu remained silent on Wike’s actions, despite evidence of interference in Rivers politics.

Public Interest Overshadowed by Political Ambitions

Former Akwa Ibom State deputy governor, Senator Chris Ekpenyong, raised concerns about the broader implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling on party defections. He questioned the fairness of allowing lawmakers who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain their seats, arguing that political interests are being prioritized over democratic principles.

Ekpenyong urged Wike to cease his opposition to Governor Fubara, emphasizing the need for political stability in Rivers State. He noted that continuous political interference only serves to weaken governance and disrupt developmental projects.

Way Forward for Rivers State

Despite the controversy surrounding Tinubu’s directive, Governor Fubara is exploring ways to implement the president’s orders while maintaining his political standing. His recent attempt to present the 2025 budget to the House of Assembly faced resistance, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the governor and the lawmakers allied with Wike.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to debate the best approach to restoring peace in Rivers State. Many believe that true reconciliation can only be achieved if all parties involved—Governor Fubara, Wike, and the defected lawmakers—engage in open and honest dialogue without external influences.

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