Governor Fubara Struggles to Maintain Control Amid Political Crisis in Rivers State

In the midst of a deepening political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is facing significant challenges in maintaining control over the state amidst escalating tensions between rival factions.

The crisis, which stems from the expiration of the tenure of the 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State on June 17, has sparked a fierce battle for political control between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Following the expiration of the chairmen’s tenure, violence erupted on June 18 as supporters of the two factions engaged in clashes over the control of local government secretariats, resulting in several casualties including a police officer and a vigilante.

The situation escalated further when the former local government chairmen, who were loyal to Wike, attempted to maintain their grip on power, defying the governor’s authority.

In response, Governor Fubara swiftly moved to assert his authority by convening a Security Council Meeting to address the escalating violence and restore order in the state.

The governor reiterated that there was no extension of tenure for the local government chairmen and warned against any attempts to destabilize the peace and security of Rivers State.

The State Government, in collaboration with the police, took decisive action to take over all 23 council secretariats and critical government infrastructure to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.

Despite the ongoing legal battles and appeals in court, Governor Fubara proceeded to swear in caretaker committee chairmen for the local government areas, signaling his determination to uphold the rule of law and assert his authority.

The Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which is aligned with the former governor Wike, made attempts to counter the governor’s actions by inviting their own set of caretaker committee members for screening.

As the judicial process unfolds with the Court of Appeal reserving judgment on the appeals, the future political landscape of Rivers State remains uncertain, with Governor Fubara facing a daunting task of maintaining control and stability in the face of mounting challenges.