Two weeks after Nigeria’s National Assembly proposed a peace committee to resolve the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, no meaningful reconciliation efforts have taken off, leaving the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike to fester.
The power tussle, which prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in March, resulted in the six-month suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and the state’s legislators. Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd) was swiftly appointed as Sole Administrator.
Despite swift approval by lawmakers for the President’s emergency measures, both the Senate and House of Representatives called for a mediatory committee to be established—a move that has yet to materialize.
Sources in Port Harcourt say the reconciliation effort has been stalled by partisan behavior from influential Ijaw and Rivers leaders who have aligned themselves with either side of the conflict.
“Those who should have brokered peace are now part of the problem,” said a source familiar with the political dynamics. “They took sides and lost the trust needed to mediate this crisis.”
The insider pointed to open support from several Ijaw leaders for Governor Fubara, a development that has alienated Wike and his loyalists. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) were also accused of partiality, with INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba singled out for criticism.
“Jonathan should have led the peace process, but instead, he was seen as backing Fubara,” the source said. “That killed any hope of neutral mediation.”
With key elders split into pro-Wike and pro-Fubara camps, many believe reconciliation remains out of reach.
Youth Council President Calls for Wisdom
Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, echoed this sentiment, lamenting that the crisis could have been avoided with wiser leadership.
“If we had applied wisdom early, Rivers wouldn’t be in this mess,” Lokpobiri said. “Some leaders stoked tensions they were unprepared to manage, only to retreat when the crisis escalated.”
While Lokpobiri reaffirmed support for Governor Fubara to complete his tenure, he stressed that emotional rhetoric has no place in strategic political disputes. “Wisdom is stronger than any weapon,” he added.
MOSIEND Begins Private Consultations
Kennedy Tonjo-West, President of the Movement for Izon Ethnic Nationality Development (MOSIEND), said his organization maintained a neutral stance and is working to kickstart the reconciliation process.
“We’re consulting behind the scenes to reopen dialogue and restore peace,” he said. “Rivers State can’t afford further delays.”
Fubara-Wike Fallout Continues
The fallout between Wike and Fubara, who was once seen as Wike’s political protégé, has lingered since the 2023 elections. Governor Fubara has since retreated to his private residence in Port Harcourt, while several suspended lawmakers, mostly Wike allies, are said to be vacationing abroad.
