Rivers crisis :  Wike, Fubara meet elders as lawmakers give condition for truce

Political tension in Rivers State surrounding the renewed impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, appears to be easing as key actors on both sides signal willingness to de-escalate the crisis.

According to a report by Vanguard, findings indicate that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara have separately engaged the peace and reconciliation committee constituted by the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), raising hopes that the prolonged standoff may soon be resolved.

The seven-member committee, chaired by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), held its first engagement with Wike in Abuja last Thursday before meeting Fubara in Port Harcourt on Friday. The meeting with the governor reportedly lasted about three hours.

The Agabi Peace Committee also met earlier with the Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, a known ally of the FCT Minister, and later held broader consultations with elders and leaders drawn from both political camps in Port Harcourt.

A source familiar with the meetings described the engagements as positive and reassuring.

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“So far, those meetings were very fruitful,” the source said, adding: “Don’t forget that before now people had made public statements. A lot of things were said, but the outcome of those meetings is very encouraging. I can say that there is hope. A real renewed hope. Rivers people respect this committee and I will appeal to Nigerians to allow these illustrious sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region to do their work.”

The PANDEF committee, inaugurated in Abuja last week, is expected to submit its report within two weeks. Stakeholders believe its ongoing consultations in Port Harcourt could produce a roadmap capable of ending the political deadlock in the state.

The source noted that refusal by either Wike or Fubara to honour the committee’s invitation would have cast doubt on the reconciliation process.

“But right now, things are going on very well and there is every reason to hope for the best outcome,” he said.

Lawmakers’ new demands
Meanwhile, investigations have revealed why members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, including four lawmakers who had earlier advocated a political settlement, abruptly resumed impeachment proceedings.

According to findings, the lawmakers are seeking firm assurances from Governor Fubara regarding their political future, particularly guarantees of return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“There is nothing like a gross misconduct against the governor. What these people (lawmakers) want is the assurance that they will return to the Assembly next year. With this attitude of theirs to the governor, they are not sure of coming back. That is the assurance they want. That is the agreement they are talking about,” a key player who pleaded anonymity said.

The source linked the dispute to Governor Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last December.

“If you can recall, this whole problem started when Governor Fubara defected to the APC last December. They knew that the governor would have his automatic ticket in APC and if they don’t get that assurance, then they would be dead politically.”

The same source further alleged that Wike is also seeking political assurances at the federal level.

“Wike also wants the same commitment from President Bola Tinubu. He wants to return as a minister. If Fubara wins second term and Wike loses his appointment, he would be dead politically. The minister said so himself. That is why he is using the Assembly to press home his demand from the President.”

While impeachment proceedings may not advance beyond their current stage, the source claimed the minister’s leverage has diminished.

“He revealed that while the impeachment may not see the light of day beyond the level it has reached, ‘the minister no more has a direct access to the President. He can only use the Assembly to bargain for his political future.’”

APC warns Chief Judge
In a related development, the Rivers State chapter of the APC has urged the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, to comply with a High Court order restraining him from acting on impeachment-related correspondence.

The party’s call followed confirmation by the Assembly on Friday that it had written to the Chief Judge requesting the constitution of a seven-man panel to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Fubara and Odu.

However, the APC, led by Chief Emeka Beke, faulted the lawmakers’ action, warning that it amounted to a legislative overreach. In a statement signed by the party’s spokesman, Darlington Nwauju, the APC accused Assembly members of undermining the party’s collective interest in the state.

“We note that Honourable members who trumpeted loyalty to our party and Mr President can give themselves to the unfolding choreographed legislative coup d’etat against the collective interest, growth and development of our party in the state,” the statement read.

The party specifically called on the Chief Judge “to respect yesterday’s interim injunction in Suit No OYHC/7/CS/2026 that restrained him from receiving or acting on the resolutions of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”

The APC further warned: “We warn again that this is a needless legislative overreach, having observed the recalcitrance on the part of members of the House of Assembly, including APC members.

“Thus, no matter how beautifully crafted the allegations against the Governor and his Deputy are, they are still very subjective in the court of public opinion. This unfortunate path chosen by the legislative arm therefore serves as dangerous footnote to the health and survival of the APC in Rivers State.”

The party also urged the APC national leadership to immediately deploy disciplinary and internal conflict-resolution mechanisms under Article 21(b)(iii) of the party’s 2022 Constitution (as amended).

Ijaw mobilisation
Amid the political uncertainty, more than 50,000 people of Ijaw extraction across Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states have reportedly transferred their voting units to Rivers State ahead of next year’s governorship election.

Confirming the development, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr Alaye Theophilus, said: “We are solidly with Fubara. He is an Ijaw man. Yes, over 50,000 Ijaw people of voting age have transferred their units to Rivers State. Nobody wants to take any chances. Fubara must go for second term.”

Similarly, President of the Ijaw National Council (INC), Prof Benjamin Okaba, appealed to the APC leadership to shield the governor from impeachment.

“If Fubara is eventually impeached, then we will see this as a betrayal of the Ijaw nation and it will not be good for our democracy. Adams Oshiomhole had once said that the moment you join APC, your sins are forgiven. Why is Fubara’s own different? He must be protected,” he stated.

(VANGUARD)