Date: October 31, 2023
In an attempt to diffuse the political crisis in Rivers State, President Bola Tinubu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have taken proactive measures. On Tuesday, the President met with the embattled Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the former governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. This intervention follows the attempted impeachment of Governor Fubara by 24 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, which led to protests and turmoil in the state on Monday.
The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, confirmed President Tinubu’s involvement in resolving the crisis during a media briefing. In a closed session, the President mediated the situation, contributing to the prospects of restoring peace. However, security operatives prevented the media from capturing photographs and videos of the two leaders meeting.
Meanwhile, protests related to the impeachment moves continued in Port Harcourt, with around 120 youths demonstrating against the governor’s potential ouster. The protesters attempted to invade the official residence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, resulting in police intervention and several arrests. The incident led to one protester being injured and rushed to the hospital.
The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo, was among those arrested, and he demanded the release of those in custody, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their protest.
In addition, the Ijaw Youths Council and other groups condemned the arrests and called for the immediate release of the detained individuals, asserting the right to peaceful protest.
The protest continued on Tuesday as youth occupied the entrance to the Government House in Port Harcourt, pledging to resist any attempts to remove Governor Fubara from office.
In Abuja, the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bala Mohammed, held a meeting and issued a communique expressing appreciation for President Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis. The forum encouraged all parties involved in the crisis to seek peaceful resolutions and offered its platform for facilitating a just resolution.
Finally, the leaders of various ethnic nationalities from the Niger Delta region met with Nyesom Wike, who reassured them of his commitment to President Tinubu’s agenda, while the President also affirmed his support for the Renewed Hope agenda.
The Rivers State crisis remains a complex and dynamic political issue, with efforts from various stakeholders to seek a peaceful and just resolution.