By Parrot Newspaper Amaechi Exposes Root of Rivers Crisis: ‘It’s About Money Sharing’
Introduction: A Crisis Rooted in Power and Wealth
The ongoing political battle between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a new turn as former governor Rotimi Amaechi weighs in. In a candid interview with DW, Amaechi declared that the dispute is fundamentally about money sharing, not governance.
Amaechi’s Explosive Revelation
Speaking on Saturday, Amaechi did not mince words. He alleged that the crux of the disagreement between Wike and Fubara revolves around financial allocations and who gets what share of state resources.
> “The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel?” – Rotimi Amaechi
The former governor also lamented the apathy of Nigerians toward corruption, suggesting that people are no longer holding leaders accountable for financial mismanagement.
Tinubu’s Intervention: Legal or Unconstitutional?
Amaechi further criticized President Bola Tinubu’s emergency intervention in the state’s affairs, labeling it unconstitutional. While Tinubu’s mediation aimed to restore order, legal experts and political analysts have questioned the extent of presidential powers in resolving state-level disputes.
Rivers State Political Landscape: A Tug of War
Fubara vs. Wike: The Power Struggle
The rift between Fubara and Wike has been a significant political flashpoint. Despite Fubara’s position as governor, Wike, his predecessor and political godfather, still wields substantial influence. Their fallout underscores a larger issue in Nigerian politics—godfatherism and the battle for financial control.
The Money Factor: Who Controls the State’s Wealth?
Rivers State, being one of Nigeria’s richest due to its oil revenue, is often at the center of intense political struggles. The question many are asking is: Who truly controls the state’s finances—Fubara as the sitting governor, or Wike as the political heavyweight?
The Public’s Silence on Corruption
Amaechi’s remark about Nigerians’ reluctance to question corruption raises a crucial point. In previous decades, public outrage and protests often shaped political decisions. Today, however, widespread disillusionment and economic hardship seem to have dampened civic engagement.
What Next for Rivers State?
With the feud still unresolved, the future of Rivers State remains uncertain. Will Tinubu’s intervention hold, or will the power tussle escalate further? Can Fubara assert his authority, or will Wike continue to pull the strings from Abuja?
Conclusion: A Political Drama with National Implications
The battle between Fubara and Wike is more than just a personal disagreement—it is a reflection of Nigeria’s broader issues of political loyalty, financial control, and governance. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Rivers State, waiting to see who emerges victorious in this high-stakes political showdown.