The political standoff in Rivers State shows no signs of easing, as close associates of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike have dismissed recent statements by Governor Siminalayi Fubara suggesting that peace is on the horizon.
Last week, Governor Fubara addressed members of the Simplified Movement, expressing optimism that the fractured relationship between his administration and key political stakeholders, including Wike, was on the mend. …CONTINUE READING
He credited President Bola Tinubu for averting a total collapse of governance in the state and spoke of ongoing efforts to restore harmony between the executive and legislative branches. Referring to Wike as his “boss,” Fubara called for reconciliation and forgiveness, pledging to lead with humility and earn the respect of Rivers people.
“There will be peace. We are meeting. We will reconcile,” the governor said, emphasizing a commitment to unity.
However, the response from Wike’s camp was swift and scathing. During a media interaction on Monday, Wike criticized the governor’s remarks as superficial, describing them as mere “radio and television reconciliation” without any substantial action to back them up.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, a political ally of Wike and former chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, accused Fubara of duplicity. “He says one thing and does another,” Lloyd said. “He’s pretending not to see the issues, but everyone else can.”
Lloyd insisted that reconciliation must involve meaningful engagement with aggrieved parties, including members of the State House of Assembly and ousted local government officials. He highlighted ongoing grievances such as withheld legislative salaries and the controversial dismissal of council chairmen, arguing that Fubara had yet to reach out or offer apologies to those affected.
“He needs to show genuine remorse and humility. Some of these people have been deeply hurt—some couldn’t even send their kids to school due to unpaid wages,” Lloyd noted.
He also cast doubt on Fubara’s assurance that emergency measures in the state would soon be lifted, describing the governor’s confidence as misplaced. “People are giving him false assurances—first it was May 29, now it’s June 12. We’ll wait and see.”
Quoting biblical scripture, Lloyd questioned the feasibility of cooperation without consensus and ended with a dramatic line from Ola Rotimi’s play The Gods Are Not to Blame, suggesting that the political impasse will remain unresolved unless core issues are addressed: “Until the rotten tooth is pulled out, the mouth will continue to chew with caution.”
As the standoff drags on, Rivers State remains mired in uncertainty, with citizens and stakeholders watching closely for signs of genuine reconciliation—or further division.
Source: The Nation
