Uncertainty continues to hang over Rivers State as efforts to broker peace between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, remain stalled—nearly two weeks after the National Assembly proposed forming a reconciliation committee.
The state plunged into political chaos in March following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency. The move led to the suspension of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the State House of Assembly for six months. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas (rtd) was appointed Sole Administrator of the state.
Despite the urgency of the crisis, progress toward meaningful reconciliation has been sluggish. Sources in Port Harcourt attribute the impasse to sharp divisions among key Ijaw and Rivers leaders, many of whom have taken partisan positions.
The Ijaw National Congress (INC), led by Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has been accused of openly favoring Governor Fubara. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, once perceived as a neutral figure capable of steering peaceful dialogue, now faces criticism for allegedly siding with Fubara rather than maintaining impartiality.
“These leaders no longer command the respect needed to mediate genuine peace,” lamented an anonymous insider familiar with the situation.
Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, expressed disappointment over the escalating crisis. “If we had applied wisdom from the onset, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” he said, blaming the situation in part on provocative rhetoric from both sides.
Similarly, Kennedy Tonjo-West, President of the Movement for Izon Ethnic Nationality Development (MOSIEND), called for immediate reconciliation efforts. He confirmed that his organization is actively working toward peace talks aimed at resolving the impasse and restoring stability in the state.
As tensions simmer and leadership credibility erodes, many fear that without swift, unbiased intervention, Rivers State could spiral further into political disarray.
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