By Parrot Newspaper 
Rivers Political Crisis: What Next for Fubara?
By Ricky Awodi
The Supreme Court’s verdict last Friday sent shockwaves across Rivers State, deepening the 16-month-long political battle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The ruling, which overturned Fubara’s grip on the state legislature and invalidated the October 5, 2024, local government elections, has set the stage for a fierce political showdown.
While pro-Wike allies erupted in celebration, the Fubara camp was left reeling. But despite the odds, the governor insists, “It is not over yet.”
Supreme Court Ruling: A Political Earthquake
The Supreme Court ruling stripped Fubara of key political levers:
The reinstatement of 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike, who had earlier defected and were declared non-existent by the governor.
The validation of the suspension of Rivers’ federal allocations, leaving the state in financial uncertainty.
The nullification of local government elections conducted under Fubara’s watch.
With these judgments, Wike’s camp has regained its stronghold, and the embattled governor faces an uphill battle for political survival.
Impeachment: A Looming Threat?
The biggest concern now is whether Wike’s loyalists in the Assembly will push for Fubara’s impeachment. Many believe the pro-Wike camp will not hesitate to execute their initial plan of ousting the governor.
Sources indicate that the impeachment process could be swift. The reinstated lawmakers, emboldened by the Supreme Court ruling, are expected to take decisive steps in the coming days. Wike himself, speaking cryptically, dismissed Fubara’s commissioners and questioned the legitimacy of his attorney general, hinting at a major shake-up.
Ijaw National Congress, PANDEF React
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) have expressed concerns over the implications of the judgment.
INC President, Professor Benjamin Okaba, urged calm while analyzing the legal ramifications. He noted that the Supreme Court did not address the defection of the 27 lawmakers, leaving a crucial gap in the verdict.
Similarly, PANDEF chieftain Anabs Sara-Igbe suggested that suspending Rivers’ federal allocation could trigger violence, accusing the Supreme Court of bias in favor of Wike. “They are calling for a crisis. We pray this does not derail our democracy,” he warned.
Fubara’s Last Hope: The Defection Case
Legal experts say Fubara’s strongest counter-move lies in the pending case at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt regarding the defection of Wike’s loyalist lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since the Supreme Court did not rule on this issue, it remains a legal gray area.
However, Wike’s allies may not wait for the legal process to unfold. By hastening an impeachment move, they could effectively nullify Fubara’s legal challenge before it reaches the apex court.
Possible Escape Routes for Fubara
With his back against the wall, the governor has a few options:
1. Legal Resistance: He can fight the defection case all the way to the Supreme Court, banking on the Constitution’s clear stance against unlawful defections.
2. Political Alliance: Fubara could strike a deal with the APC, possibly switching parties to secure Tinubu’s backing ahead of 2027.
3. Mass Mobilization: By rallying Rivers people and Ijaw groups behind him, he could build resistance against the impeachment threat.
4. Prayer and Perseverance: As APC chieftain Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze bluntly put it, “Fubara’s only option now is prayer.”
Final Thoughts: The Battle is Not Over
Despite the crushing legal setback, Fubara remains defiant. Insiders say he remains upbeat, believing that “the game is not over.”
Rivers State now braces for high political drama in the coming weeks. Will Wike’s camp move swiftly to remove the governor, or will Fubara find a way to turn the tide? One thing is certain—Nigeria is watching.
Stay with Parrot Newspaper for the latest developments.