The Fubara crisis, also known as the Rivers crisis, is a political crisis in Rivers State, Nigeria, involving Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike
1) - The crisis began when Wike, who is Fubara's political mentor, attempted to exert control over the state's political space.
2 )- The conflict escalated when 27 lawmakers defected from the PDP to the APC and attempted to impeach Fubara.
3 )- The Appeal Court ruled in favor of the defected lawmakers, sparking tensions in the state.
4 )- Fubara's supporters suggested that he leave the PDP due to a lack of support from the party's leadership.
5 )- A peace deal was brokered by President Bola Tinubu, but it has been criticized for favoring Wike and undermining Fubara's legitimacy.
The Aspect of Wike's Attempting to Exert Control Over The State's Political Space
Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, attempted to exert control over the state's political space for several reasons, including:
1. ) Political influence: Wike wanted to maintain his grip on the state's politics and continue to shape its direction, even after leaving office.
2. ) Protection of interests: He sought to protect his political interests, allies, and legacy projects from being dismantled or undermined by his successor, Governor Sim Fubara.
3. ) Party control: Wike aimed to maintain control over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in Rivers State, which has been his political stronghold.
4. ) Fear of betrayal: Wike allegedly felt betrayed by Fubara's emergence as his successor, as he had reportedly backed another candidate.
5. ) Power struggle: The crisis reflects a broader power struggle between Wike and Fubara, with each seeking to assert dominance in the state's political landscape.
Wike's attempts to exert control have led to a intense political rivalry, fueling the Fubara crisis in Rivers State.
Fubara's Response Towards The Crisis
Governor Siminalayi Fubara's response to the crisis was as follows ;
1 ) - Fubara sought to establish his independence from Wike and demonstrate that he was in charge of the state.
2 ) - He distanced himself from Wike's influence and began to make decisions without consulting his predecessor.
3 ) - Fubara reportedly expressed worry over Wike's high-handedness and even considered resigning from office.
4 ) - He reached out to other politicians, including Wike's political foes, to build alliances and gain support.
5 ) - Fubara visited other state governors, like Douye Diri of Bayelsa and Godwin Obaseki of Edo, to seek their backing and guidance.
6 ) - He attempted to consolidate his power by appointing new commissioners and aides, reducing Wike's influence in the state government.
7 )- Fubara agreed to an 8-point settlement agreement brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which aimed to resolve the crisis and redefine the relationship between the two leaders.
The 23 Local Government Chairman
The role the local government chairmen played in the Fubara/Wike crisis includes;
1 ) - The three-year tenure of the 23 local government chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors expired on Monday, June 17.
2 ) - The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the 23 council areas immediately.
3 ) - The chairmen had vowed to stay in office, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024, which would have allowed them to remain in office for another six months.
4 ) - Fubara argued that this law was unconstitutional, and he could not allow it to stand.
5 ) - Fubara also ordered an audit of the financial management of the local government councils over the past three years.
6 ) - The caretaker Chairman of the Ikwerre LGA, Dr Darlington Orji, said he was not able to access the council following the barricade mounted by the police.
7 ) - The caretaker Chairman of the Ogu/Bolo LGA, Evans Bipi, who could not access the secretariat, inaugurated other committee members outside the council secretariat and charged them to serve with diligence and honesty.
The Peace Deal Brokered by President Bola Tinubu
The peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu aimed to resolve the political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in Rivers State. The deal's key points included:
1 ). Fubara agreed to reinstate the commissioners sacked by Wike.
2 ) . Fubara would represent the budget to the Rivers State Assembly, led by Speaker Amaewhule, loyal to Wike.
3 ) . Wike's loyalists would occupy key positions in the state executive council.
4 ) . Fubara would share appointments and resources with Wike's camp.
5 ) . Both parties agreed to cease hostilities and work together.
The deal aimed to end the political stalemate, restore peace, and ensure a smooth governance process in Rivers State. However, the agreement collapsed due to disagreements over implementation and accusations of non-compliance from both sides.
Fubara's Response Towards The Peace Deal Brokered by President Bola Tinubu
Governor Fubara agreed to and signed the peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu . Fubara also stated that he only agreed to the deal out of respect for President Tinubu . The deal included the following provisions ;
1 ) - All court cases related to the political crisis would be dropped.
2 ) - All impeachment proceedings would be dropped.
3 ) - The leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the 27 lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC would be recognized.
4 ) - The full funding of the Rivers State House of Assembly would be reinstated.
5 ) - The Rivers State House of Assembly would be allowed to choose its meeting place without interference from the executive branch.
6 ) - Fubara would resubmit the state budget to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
7 ) - The names of all commissioners who resigned due to the political crisis would be resubmitted to the House of Assembly for approval.
8 ) - There would be no caretaker committee for local governments in Rivers State.
On The Issue Of President Bola Tinubu Asking Fubara to Allow Wike's Loyalists To Occupy Key Position in The State Executive Council
President Bola Tinubu's intention behind insisting that Wike's loyalists occupy key positions in the state executive council was likely to:
1 ) . Appease Wike: By giving Wike's loyalists key positions, Tinubu aimed to placate Wike and reduce his opposition to Fubara's government.
2 ) . Balance power: Tinubu sought to strike a balance between Fubara and Wike's factions, ensuring that both sides had a stake in the government.
3 ) . Promote unity: By including Wike's loyalists, Tinubu hoped to foster unity and reconciliation within the Rivers State chapter of the PDP.
4 ) . Strengthen party cohesion: Tinubu aimed to maintain party cohesion by ensuring that all factions within the PDP in Rivers State were represented in the government.
By doing so, Tinubu hoped to resolve the crisis, maintain peace, and ensure a stable government in Rivers State. However, this aspect of the deal was controversial, as it appeared to undermine Fubara's authority and perpetuate Wike's influence.
Many observers considered President Tinubu's move to be biased in favor of Wike's faction.
By insisting that Wike's loyalists occupy key positions, Tinubu appeared to be:
1 ) . Undermining Fubara's authority: As the elected governor, Fubara should have had the freedom to choose his own team.
2 ) . Rewarding Wike's defiance: Wike's actions were seen as disruptive and defiant; by rewarding his loyalists, Tinubu may have been perceived as condoning Wike's behavior.
3 ) . Overlooking Fubara's supporters: Fubara's own supporters and loyalists were not given similar consideration, leading to feelings of marginalization and betrayal.
This perceived bias may have contributed to the collapse of the peace deal, as Fubara and his supporters felt that the agreement favored Wike's interests over their own.
Further Reasons Why The President Bola Tinubu Peace Deal Collapsed
The Tinubu peace deal between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, collapsed due to several reasons, which also includes;
1 ) - Rejection by the PDP National Working Committee of President Tinubu's intervention in the crisis.
2 ) - The party told the 25 defectors that they could only return to the Assembly through fresh elections.
3 ) - The provision of Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution, which states that a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate their seat if they become a member of another political party before the expiration of their term.
4 ) - The insistence of the factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, that the seats of the 25 defectors were vacant.
5 ) - The refusal of Governor Fubara to reappoint the nine commissioners who resigned.
6 ) - The failure of the peace deal to address the underlying issues that led to the crisis which includes;
A ) . Power struggle: Wike's desire to maintain control and influence over the state government and politics, even after leaving office.
B ) . Succession dispute: Wike's opposition to Fubara's emergence as his successor, claiming he had backed another candidate.
C ) . Political ideology differences: Fubara's perceived departure from Wike's political ideology and policies.
D ) . Appointment and patronage disputes: Wike's dissatisfaction with Fubara's appointment choices and allocation of political patronage.
E ) . Ego and personal differences: Clashes between the two leaders' personalities, egos, and leadership styles.
F ) . Fear of probe: Wike's concern that Fubara might investigate his administration's actions and expose alleged corruption.
G ) . Control of party structure: Wike's attempt to maintain control over the state's PDP chapter and its resources.
7 ) - The perception that the peace deal favored Wike's interests over Fubara's.
The Latest Development So Far In The Fubara/ Wike Crisis
1 ) - The peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu has collapsed.
2 ) - Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara are seeking to strengthen their respective support bases in Rivers State.
3 ) - Fubara has pledged commitment to implementing the Abuja peace agreements.
4 ) - Fubara has reinstated the resigned pro-Wike commissioners.
5 ) - Fubara has paid the allowances due to lawmakers.
6 ) - Fubara has not represented the budget to the Amaewhule-led Assembly.
7 ) - The Rivers State Council of Elders and Fubara's supporters rejected the presidential peace agreement.
8 ) - Various groups protested the peace agreement.
9 ) - The lawmakers loyal to Wike have vetoed the governor's attempt to amend some extant laws.
10 ) - The lawmakers threatened Fubara with impeachment if he refused to enforce their constitutional responsibilities.