The ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State shows no clear resolution. Despite a semblance of peace following a closed-door meeting at the presidential villa, doubts linger about whether Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former governor Peter Odili truly endorsed the 8-point resolution, which seemingly favored Nyesom Wike. The power struggle, escalating over the past two months, witnessed tension, alleged revenue demands by Wike, an attempted impeachment by the State House of Assembly, and even the bombing and subsequent demolition of the Assembly complex.
The recent meeting involving Fubara, Odili, Wike, and other stakeholders aimed at reconciliation, with Vice President Kashim Shettima and others present. However, the resolution’s content, directing Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget and withdraw litigations, has stirred dissent within Fubara’s camp. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) insists on fresh elections to fill the 25 vacancies in the State House of Assembly.
Critics, including Chief Edwin Clark and legal experts like Robert Clarke, challenge the validity of the resolutions, suggesting a political motive to shift power to the Federal Capital Territory minister. The PDP rejects the truce, emphasizing the need for fresh elections. Former Senator Shehu Sani views the peace accord as a temporary relief for Fubara, foreseeing another round of conflict.
Kenneth Nwodo denounces the resolution as an endorsement of godfatherism, and Onyebuchi Igboke warns that the terms may be a perilous trap for Governor Fubara. Despite the signed agreement, skepticism and discontent prevail, with many closely watching the unfolding political dynamics in Rivers State.