Rivers State Local Government Crisis Escalates
The political tension in Rivers State has escalated into violence, as hoodlums, opposed to the outcome of Saturday’s local government elections, have begun vandalizing and burning government properties. On Sunday, Governor Siminalayi Fubara swore in the newly elected chairmen of the 23 local government areas after they received certificates of return from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission. The Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance won one seat. The APP chairmen are loyal to Fubara, who has been embroiled in a political power struggle with his former ally and mentor, ex-governor Nyesom Wike.
The violent reaction to the election results unfolded on Monday when thugs, determined to prevent the new chairmen from assuming office, attacked local government secretariats, burning vehicles, vandalizing properties, and even setting parts of the Eleme LGA secretariat on fire. Similar incidents occurred at the Ikwerre LGA secretariat, where the chairman’s office was torched. In Emohua LGA, an explosion rocked the secretariat shortly after the swearing-in ceremony of Chairman David Omereji and his deputy, Patience Ebere. One fatality was reported in Bori, Khana LGA.
Governor Fubara had previously warned of plans to incite violence against the newly elected officials, and these warnings proved prescient. The situation worsened following the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s, order to withdraw police officers from all 23 LG secretariats, exacerbating the existing tensions and leading to a complete breakdown of law and order.
This turbulence highlights the reckless and self-serving nature of Nigeria’s political class. The power struggle between Fubara and Wike, which is rooted in the idea of political godfatherism, has ignited the violence. Fubara, since taking office in May 2023, has clashed with Wike, who continues to wield significant influence over the state’s House of Assembly and other political entities. The feud between the two escalated in October when the Rivers State House of Assembly was bombed, and two months later, it was demolished by the state government.
The ongoing crisis serves as a reminder of how destructive political infighting can be. Nigeria has experienced similar tensions in the past, such as the Western Region crisis in the 1960s, which contributed to the military’s intervention in politics. The political class must recognize the dangers of these turf wars, especially in a state like Rivers, which is grappling with economic challenges.
Inspector-General Egbetokun’s decision to withdraw police protection from local government offices is indefensible, given the volatile environment in the state. His actions should remain neutral, as taking sides could further inflame the situation. President Bola Tinubu, who has previously called for peace between Fubara and Wike, should avoid using federal power to manipulate the situation in Rivers State.
Elders in Rivers State, along with influential figures like former President Goodluck Jonathan and Ijaw leader Edwin Clark, must intervene to restore peace. Governor Fubara should be allowed to govern without external interference from political godfathers, allowing him to focus on addressing the needs of Rivers State citizens, rather than being consumed by personal political battles.
