Rivers Crisis: Fubara Stands Firm as Supreme Court Empowers Pro-Wike Lawmakers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has dismissed fears of impeachment despite the Supreme Court’s ruling that reaffirmed the legitimacy of the 27 lawmakers loyal to former Governor Nyesom Wike.

The verdict, which drastically reshaped the state’s political landscape, directed the Federal Government to withhold financial allocations to Rivers State until Fubara presents the state budget to the pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule. It also nullified the local government election conducted under Fubara’s administration last year.

Power Struggle Deepens in Rivers
The ruling effectively transferred legislative control to the pro-Wike faction, intensifying the already heated battle between Fubara and his former political mentor, Wike. Since October 2023, the Rivers State House of Assembly has been sharply divided, with 27 lawmakers backing Wike while only four remained loyal to Fubara.

An earlier impeachment attempt by the pro-Wike lawmakers led to violent clashes, including the bombing of the Assembly complex. In defiance, Fubara presented the 2024 and 2025 budgets to the four-member Assembly loyal to him. However, the Supreme Court deemed this action illegal and ordered him to resubmit the budget to the 27 lawmakers.

Fubara’s Camp Remains Defiant
Despite the court’s directive, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed concerns over the governor’s removal, asserting that Fubara remains in control.

“Afraid of what? The governor is on his toes and has the mandate of the Rivers people. He will obey the law and respect the sanctity of the law,”

Johnson told The PUNCH.

He added that the government would wait for the Certified True Copy of the judgment before making any decisions.

“I cannot say whether we will implement it or not. Let us see what the judgment says, evaluate it, and then we will act accordingly,”

Johnson stated.

He also insisted that the 27 lawmakers had forfeited their seats after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rivers Elders Reject Reconciliation with Wike
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Elders Forum has advised Fubara against reconciling with Wike and the pro-Wike lawmakers, despite the unfavorable Supreme Court verdict.

Speaking on behalf of the elders, High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, the National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, reaffirmed that Rivers State would not surrender to political pressure.