Rivers state political crisis: A lingering inferno
Since early 2024, when an unsuccessful attempt was made to impeach the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, the political atmosphere in the state has remained turbulent. The botched impeachment attempt escalated into the burning of the State House of Assembly, and to this day, the political turmoil shows no sign of abating.
The central question remains: is the state prepared to continue down this path of political strife? The crisis originated from the controversial defection of 27 lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which led to the declaration of their seats as vacant and triggered a series of lawsuits. Since then, tensions have only heightened.
Throughout history, conflicts have ultimately been resolved at the negotiation table, often after devastating losses in terms of resources and human lives. This raises the fundamental question: why must we allow disputes to escalate before considering dialogue as the first and best course of action?
Recently, Governor Fubara expressed regret over the substantial financial resources wasted on legal battles that could have been better utilised for the development of the state. He also lamented the ongoing crisis, particularly after being allegedly locked out of the State House of Assembly while attempting to address the legislature regarding the 2025 budget. The governor has repeatedly stated that he has endured these embarrassments in the interest of peace, but the crisis continues to intensify.
Now, fresh speculations regarding impeachment have begun to surface. The rumour mill is in overdrive, with increasing indications that the former political leadership is intent on ensuring the governor’s removal. The latest remarks from the ex-Governor, suggesting that “heaven will not fall” if Namadi is impeached, fuel suspicions that plans are either already in place or at an advanced stage to see through this agenda.
One pertinent question remains: why has Rivers State’s political situation deteriorated to such a dire level? The people, whom these politicians are meant to represent, appear to be at odds with the actions of their supposed representatives. In a true democracy, elected officials must act in the best interest of the people, yet what is happening in Rivers State today is a distortion of democratic principles.
The deepening crisis has raised concerns among political observers and stakeholders, particularly in the Niger Delta. In a recent development, leaders and elders from the region sought the intervention of the Presidency, under the banner of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum. However, President Bola Tinubu, rather than directly intervening, reportedly advised them to return home and counsel their people. He emphasised that the rule of law must be upheld and that the recent Supreme Court judgement must be fully implemented.
This raises a sobering point: where exactly did things go wrong? Could this political turbulence have been averted with the right leadership and proactive mediation? Instead of endlessly shifting blame, it is time for all concerned parties to re-examine past missteps and work collectively to realign the state on a path of stability.
What then is stopping the resolution of these conflicts? It is often said that evil thrives when good people remain silent. The crisis in Rivers State appears to be worsening, with political actors escalating tensions instead of fostering reconciliation. If this situation continues, it will not only deepen political divisions but also inflict further economic and social hardship on the people.
The time for indifference has long passed. All those involved must urgently rise to the occasion, prioritise the interests of the people, and put an end to the instability that has plagued the state for far too long. The need for sincere dialogue has never been greater. It is time for responsible leadership and decisive action to ensure Rivers State is steered away from the brink of chaos and towards a future of peace and development.
