Tinubu Resolves 2023 Rivers State Political Crisis

In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu took charge of a crucial meeting at the State House in Abuja on Monday evening, aimed at addressing the protracted feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike in Rivers State.

The high-profile gathering, convened at the President’s behest, featured key figures such as Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, ex-Governor Dr Peter Odili, Chief of Staff Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. Lasting over two hours, the meeting concluded at 8.17 pm.

Following the deliberations, an eight-point communique titled “DIRECTIVES FOR THE RESOLUTION OF THE POLITICAL IMPASSE IN RIVERS STATE” was jointly endorsed by key stakeholders, including Governor Fubara, Minister Nyesom Wike, Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Hon. Martin Amaewhule, PDP Chairman Aaron Chukwuemeka, and APC counterpart Tony Okocha.

The communique outlined decisive actions:

1. Immediate withdrawal of all legal actions initiated by Governor Fubara and his team pertaining to the political crisis in Rivers State.
2. Dropping of all impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara initiated by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
3. Recognition of the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, along with the 27 members who resigned from the PDP.
4. Swift reinstatement of remunerations and benefits for all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and their staff.
5. Assurance of the Rivers State House of Assembly’s autonomy in choosing its venue for legislative activities without interference from the Executive.
6. Governor Fubara to re-present the state budget to a duly constituted Rivers State House of Assembly.
7. Resubmission of the names of all commissioners who resigned due to the political crisis for approval by the House of Assembly.
8. Rejection of the dissolution of the Local Government administration, deeming it null and void with no recognition of a caretaker committee.

This development is anticipated to pave the way for a more stable political environment in Rivers State, as leaders commit to resolving the issues that have strained relations within the state’s political landscape.