With fingers of blame pointed at the duo of Fubara and Wike, it becomes a herculean task to ascertain if the prolonged godfatherism-themed crisis in Rivers State will ever come to an end.
Another phase of chaos has unceremoniously ushered itself into the state moments after the presidency declared a state of emergency and suspended the sitting governor. Reports gathered indicate that part of what factored into Fubara’s suspension were allegations that he had demolished the Rivers State House of Assembly, with efforts targeted towards asking him to rebuild it met with stiff resistance over a year later.
The presidency’s suspension of Fubara, coupled with the state of emergency move, and the announcement of a sequel to an interim government headed by a sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibas, has generated nationwide interest, raising many questions about the presidency’s intervention and use of veto power.
Siminalayi Fubara, however, has refuted the allegations of demolition, citing that the House of Assembly lacked proper architectural sturdiness, so much so that it posed adverse risks to the lives of lawmakers in the state. In a press briefing, Siminalayi noted that the decision for demolition was unanimously made and was in the public’s interest, as opposed to the vendetta that the anti-Fubara and pro-Wike agents made it seem.
Siminalayi also expressed concerns over how the pro-Wike team had maliciously painted his government as one that lacked regard for democracy and peaceful coexistence, stating that his was a government that exalts dialogue and fair hearing.
In the same vein, Fubara has channeled every portion of blame apportioned to him to his godfather, Nyesom Wike, citing in utmost good faith that the needed autonomy wasn’t handed to him, as Wike had continuously interfered in state affairs, making his administration suffer excessive relapse in governance.
Fubara said that Wike’s unwillingness to allow him to act as an autonomous and independent leader is the root of the crisis in the oil-rich state.
With a sole administrator in the person of Vice Admiral Ibas taking over the state tentatively for six months, one can only wish that the godfather-godson political crisis in the state is amicably resolved, irrespective of whose ox is gored.
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