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. For further analysis on the evolving political crisis in Rivers State, visit Premium Times for reputable insights on Nigerian politics. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
Introduction Renowned politician and former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of democracy in Nigeria, attributing it to the alarming rate of poverty in the country. In a recent post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi emphasized the urgent need for leaders to prioritize economic progress and strengthen independent institutions to restore democracy’s true essence. Poverty Threatens the Core of Nigerian Democracy Peter Obi highlighted the stark reality of Nigeria’s economic crisis, stating that over 100 million Nigerians live in absolute poverty, while approximately 150 million experience multidimensional poverty. He argued that democracy, at its core, should serve as a tool for addressing the fundamental needs of the people, particularly in critical sectors such as: Call for Institutional Strengthening and Economic Growth To salvage democracy in Nigeria, Obi urged leaders to focus on:✔️ Strengthening independent institutions that promote accountability, justice, and fairness.✔️ Encouraging good governance that fosters economic and social progress.✔️ Promoting active citizenship to ensure leaders are held accountable.✔️ Empowering the youth to play a crucial role in nation-building. Lessons from Mandela: A Call for Action Citing Nelson Mandela, Obi reiterated that “as long as poverty, injustice, and inequality exist, none of us can truly rest.” He warned that Africa’s fragile democracies could continue to weaken unless there is a collective commitment to good governance and nation-building. The Future of Democracy in Africa Obi emphasized that democracy must go beyond mere elections to truly reflect the will of the people. He called for:? Trust-building in governance? Reinforcement of democratic institutions? Upholding the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights Without these, he warned, governance would fail to deliver tangible benefits to the people, and democracy would remain a mere façade rather than a vehicle for progress. Conclusion Peter Obi’s message serves as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to address rising poverty and restore the essence of democracy. As Africa faces increasing instability and democratic setbacks, he insists that the time to act is now—before democracy loses its relevance completely. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
