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The political crisis in Rivers State remains unresolved as peace efforts between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike have stalled, despite a proposed National Assembly peace committee.
Uncertainty continues to plague Rivers State as the peace deal between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike remains elusive, nearly two weeks after the National Assembly proposed the formation of a peace committee.
The state’s political turmoil began after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in March, resulting in the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all state legislators for six months, with Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd) appointed as Sole Administrator.
Despite the urgency, little progress has been made toward initiating meaningful reconciliation.
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According to sources in Port Harcourt, the lack of action can be attributed to the division among influential Ijaw and Rivers leaders.
Many have taken sides, with the Ijaw National Congress, led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, accused of showing clear bias toward Governor Fubara. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, once seen as a neutral mediator, is also criticized for aligning with Fubara instead of fostering impartial dialogue.
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An anonymous insider lamented, “These leaders no longer command the respect needed to mediate genuine peace.”
Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, expressed regret over the handling of the crisis, saying, “If we had applied wisdom, we wouldn’t be here today.”
He criticized those who used inflammatory language that escalated the situation. Kennedy Tonjo-West, President of the Movement for Izon Ethnic Nationality Development (MOSIEND), also called for swift reconciliation efforts, stating that his group is now working towards peace talks to help resolve the ongoing crisis.
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