By 9jaeye 
The political landscape in Rivers State has reached a boiling point as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) openly throws its weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara in his standoff against his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. This comes after Fubara went ahead with the recent local government elections, despite a Federal High Court ruling barring the polls. The court had ordered a halt, citing violations by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which failed to issue the required 90-day notice before the election.
Wike’s Criticism and PDP’s Response
Wike, who now serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has sharply criticized Fubara for defying the court order. In a televised interview, Wike accused Fubara of undermining democracy and acting against the law. He also pointed to the governor’s involvement in attempting to unseat the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which escalated tensions in the state.
PDP Declares Fubara a Hero
In defense, the PDP’s Rivers State chapter has stood firmly behind Fubara. Sydney Gbara, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, dismissed Wike’s accusations and encouraged him to seek legal redress if he was unhappy with the election outcome. Gbara emphasized that no court ruling could stop an electoral process and praised Fubara as a “hero” for upholding the election amid rising tensions. The local government elections resulted in a landslide victory for Fubara’s allies, with candidates from the Action Peoples Party (APP) winning in 22 out of 23 local governments.
Violence and Calls for Peace
The crisis, however, has gone beyond mere rhetoric. Violent clashes have erupted between supporters of both political figures, leading to arson attacks and injuries. Despite these challenges, Fubara remains resolute in his leadership. Meanwhile, calls for reconciliation, including from PDP chieftain Bode George, urge both parties to prioritize peace and stability in Rivers State(InformationNG).
This political standoff underscores the deepening divide within the PDP and its implications for Rivers State’s future leadership dynamics. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on whether Wike and Fubara will find common ground or continue to widen the rift.
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