Wike’s Allies Allegedly Block Fubara’s Reinstatement As Tinubu Backs Off Rivers Declaration

Wike’s Allies Allegedly Block Fubara’s Reinstatement As Tinubu Backs Off Rivers Declaration

 

 

 

What many in Rivers State expected to be a day of celebration turned into disappointment, as President Bola Tinubu did not reinstate suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, or the Rivers House of Assembly on June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

 

There had been strong expectations, fueled by high-level meetings in London and Lagos, that the President would reverse the March 18 state of emergency, which suspended the state’s democratic institutions amid the ongoing conflict between Fubara and his former political mentor, Nyesom Wike.

 

Reports indicated Tinubu had been set to make the announcement on June 12, with a handover process expected to take about two weeks, but that announcement never came.

 

Wike’s Allies Allegedly Block Reinstatement

 

Sources suggest that early celebrations by Fubara’s supporters angered Wike’s camp, which then took steps to delay the reinstatement until certain undisclosed conditions were met. Although Fubara hinted at a possible return during a public event, the situation unexpectedly shifted.

 

Tony Okocha, a factional chairman of the APC in Rivers, warned that even if Fubara joined the APC, it wouldn’t save him from impeachment. He stressed that Fubara had not sought reconciliation with lawmakers—something he said was essential to avoid impeachment.

 

Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister, echoed this sentiment, claiming Fubara lacked genuine interest in peace. Wike said Fubara only visited him once in Abuja with two Yoruba elders and never followed up.

 

Photos of Tinubu and Fubara together during the Eid holiday in Lagos further stirred public expectations—but again, no official statements were made.

 

Emergency Administrator Ordered to Hold Local Government Polls

 

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Ibok-Etteh Ibas, the sole administrator in Rivers under emergency rule, has reportedly been instructed to conduct local government elections before his term ends in September. Tinubu also sent a list of nominees to the Senate for state electoral and civil service bodies, signaling intent to proceed with elections under the emergency arrangement.

 

Analysts believe this move is part of a broader strategy to secure political control of Rivers ahead of the 2027 elections, likely strengthening Wike’s influence. Wike is said to be aligning with Tinubu’s 2027 campaign, although there are tensions within the PDP, particularly with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State also eyeing the party’s presidential ticket.

 

Former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi is reportedly preparing to lead an opposition coalition against Tinubu in 2027, and Rivers could become a battleground, especially given public frustration over the current political situation.

 

With the emergency rule ending in three months, Fubara’s return remains up in the air—and even if he does return, the political challenges ahead are significant

 

 

Source: Newsflasherngr