Leading journalist and public analyst Mahmud Jega has asserted that the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State will continue unless President Bola Tinubu addresses the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Jega made these comments during an appearance on Arise TV on Wednesday.
The political crisis in the oil-rich state escalated on Tuesday night, prompting the president to declare a state of emergency. However, Jega contends that Wike, who is both the predecessor and estranged godfather of current Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is central to the ongoing issues in Rivers State.
Jega stated, “While the President outlined the misdeeds of Governor Fubara, he should also have addressed the actions of the minister of the FCT, who is intricately linked to the creation and perpetuation of this crisis. It is not normal for a former governor to sit in Abuja and cause factionalism in the House of Assembly.”
He further warned that without addressing Wike’s influence, the political situation in Rivers State may remain unresolved until 2027. Jega also anticipates that governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may challenge the legality of the president’s declaration in the Supreme Court.
“The legality of the declaration and the suspension of democratic structures need to be clarified,” he explained. “If the Supreme Court adheres to its 2018 ruling, it may strike down parts of the declaration that undermine constitutional governance.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments in Rivers State, particularly regarding the impact of Tinubu’s actions and the potential legal challenges that may arise.
