• The Supreme Court ruled against Governor Fubara in four consolidated cases.
• Invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
• Reinstated the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers.
• Upheld the suspension of federal allocations to Rivers State.
• Wike’s allies celebrated the verdict, while Fubara’s camp was left in uncertainty.
• With the court case settled, Wike’s loyalists may move quickly to impeach Fubara.
• The Attorney General could be a primary target before impeachment proceedings.
• Wike allegedly dismissed Fubara’s cabinet and warned officials against claiming office.
• Prof. Benjamin Okaba (INC President): Called for calm, noted that defection was not addressed in the ruling.
• Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe (PANDEF Chieftain): Alleged that Wike had prior knowledge of the verdict and warned of a crisis due to the suspension of state allocations.
• Wait for the defection case ruling (still pending in the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt).
• Negotiate a political settlement with Wike or APC leaders.
• Defect to APC to gain political protection.
• Rely on public resistance against an impeachment attempt.
• Despite setbacks, Fubara remains optimistic.
• A close source revealed he said, “It’s not over yet.”
• The political battle in Rivers State is far from settled, with both sides strategizing their next moves.
The political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has now entered its 16th month, with tensions escalating following last Friday’s Supreme Court verdict. The ruling has reshaped the state’s political landscape, leaving Fubara’s camp in a state of uncertainty while Wike’s allies celebrate.
Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications
The Supreme Court delivered judgments on four consolidated cases, effectively stripping Fubara of key political structures. The court’s decision:
• Invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections.
• Upheld the suspension of federal allocations to the state.
• Reinstated the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers who had defected from the PDP to the APC.
With these rulings, Wike’s loyalists are poised to reclaim their legislative positions, reportedly with a mindset of revenge after months of political exclusion.
A major concern for Fubara’s camp is the possibility of impeachment now that the Supreme Court case has been settled. Reliable sources suggest the 27 lawmakers may move swiftly to remove the governor.
Reports indicate that pro-Wike forces could first target the Attorney General, viewing him as an obstacle to their agenda. Wike, meanwhile, has allegedly dismissed Fubara’s commissioners and three-member Assembly as illegitimate, warning that the Attorney General should no longer claim to hold office.
Ijaw National Congress (INC) President Prof. Benjamin Okaba urged calm, stating that the ruling does not mark the end of the matter.
“We are still studying the implications of the judgment. The fact that the Supreme Court did not address the issue of defection is confusing. However, for now, we urge everyone to remain peaceful,” Okaba said.
Similarly, PANDEF chieftain Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe suggested that Wike had prior knowledge of the verdict, alleging that he had boasted about controlling the Supreme Court.
Sara-Igbe further warned that suspending Rivers State’s federal allocation was a recipe for crisis, possibly leading to a state of emergency.
Fubara’s Remaining Options
With most legal battles now settled, Fubara’s last major hope lies in the defection case involving the 27 lawmakers, which is still pending in the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt. Since this issue was not addressed by the Supreme Court, it remains a potential lifeline.
However, political analysts question whether Wike’s camp will allow Fubara time to fight the case. Some speculate that his opponents might fast-track impeachment before the defection ruling is delivered.
Fubara: “It’s Not Over”
Despite the setbacks, Governor Fubara remains defiant. A close government insider revealed that he remains optimistic.
“The governor was in high spirits when I spoke to him. He told me, ‘It’s not over yet.’”
As the political storm in Rivers State intensifies, the coming weeks promise high-stakes maneuvers, with both sides preparing for the next phase of the battle.
