Power tussle: Again, Tinubu wades in on Rivers political crisis

…I have confidence in our judiciary, rule of law stands — Tinubu

…As Fubara reaffirms commitment to S’Court judgement, inaugurates judges’ quarters

…Vows to prioritise state’s interests, implement court decision

In a renewed effort to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu has once again intervened in the dispute between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Speaking on Tuesday at a meeting with leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja, Tinubu revealed that he had foreseen the crisis.

He urged PANDEF to return home and work towards peace in accordance with the rule of law, particularly as the Supreme Court had already ruled on the matter.

The president disclosed that he had made several efforts, both privately and publicly, to foster peace in the state.

Emphasising the importance of adhering to the rule of law, Tinubu stated: “I should not be here as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria if there is no rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. Human beings can make errors, but once the Supreme Court has spoken, that is it.”

This latest development comes amid a prolonged standoff that has created political instability in the state, with both Fubara and Wike aligning with different factions within the ruling party.

Recall that sometime in 2023, President Tinubu waded in on the rift between Governor Simi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike which has dragged the state into a political crisis.

Tinubu used the opportunity of the Police Council meeting which both attended as members, to mediate and perhaps end the feud between the two political allies.

However, the state governor stated his readiness to fight back and stop any impeachment move against him.

A gale of sack in the state was reported yesterday. But a denial came from Boniface Onyedi, the senior special adviser to Gov Fubara, who quoted the newly appointed Commissioner of Information and Communications, Joe Johnson.

He reiterated his unwavering commitment to fully implement the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the political crisis in the state.

Fubara made this declaration on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Judges’ Quarters, a newly completed housing project in Port Harcourt, built under his administration.

Speaking at the event, the governor stressed that the welfare of the state and its citizens remains his top priority. He acknowledged the 16-month-long legal battle, describing the litigation as a regrettable drain on resources.

However, he assured that the Supreme Court’s decision would be fully honoured, stating, “It is not about me, it is about the good of the state.”

Fubara expressed disappointment over the financial implications of the legal tussle, noting that the resources expended could have been better utilised to enhance the lives of the people of Rivers State.

Reaffirming his dedication to maintaining peace, he said, “No price is too big to pay for the peace of our dear state; at the end of the day, it is about our people.”

The governor also used the occasion to showcase his administration’s commitment to judicial welfare.

The newly inaugurated Judges’ Quarters, constructed specifically for judges who are Rivers State natives by birth or marriage, was described as a landmark achievement in his government’s efforts to support the judiciary.

He noted that while the project had been inherited from the previous administration, it was completed following concerns raised by the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary.

“We expect proper maintenance of this facility so that it continues to serve its intended purpose effectively,” Fubara stated, underscoring his administration’s focus on the well-being of judicial officers.

State Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, commended the governor for completing the project, describing it as “another milestone and a great accomplishment for the judiciary.”

He explained that the owner-occupier residential facility would provide much-needed relief for judicial officers, many of whom face difficulties in securing retirement homes due to financial constraints.