Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, to adhere to the rule of law to ensure peace within the state.
In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Wike emphasized the significance of following judicial decisions. “Peace prevails when the rule of law is respected. Compliance with court judgments fosters tranquility,” stated the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions in Rivers State, which has garnered attention due to a rift between him and Fubara. This conflict intensified recently, particularly surrounding the local government elections in the region.
A court ruling had instructed the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to refrain from providing security for the elections. Additionally, it ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to furnish the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voter register for the electoral process.
Despite this ruling, the Fubara administration proceeded with the local government elections on Saturday. Following the swearing-in of chairpersons and councilors on Monday, a new wave of violence erupted, resulting in the burning of three local government council secretariats and significant property damage.
In response, Fubara has pledged to identify those responsible for the unrest and has established a panel to investigate the incidents.
Wike, however, reiterated the importance of adhering to the court’s decision to restore peace. “Comply with court rulings and uphold the rule of law. Disregarding the law leads to chaos,” he warned.
“I have always respected the rule of law during my tenure as governor. The current situation reflects an emerging anarchy in our state due to noncompliance with legal judgments. It is imperative to honor court decisions and refrain from taking the law into one’s own hands,” Wike asserted.
**Allegations of Fubara’s APP Sponsorship**
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party affiliated with both Wike and Fubara, chose not to participate in the elections, the Action Peoples Party (APP) secured 22 of the 23 available chairmanship positions.
Wike has raised suspicions that Fubara may have sponsored the APP. “Today, some claim I acted against the party, but I stood for equity, fairness, and justice,” he said, referencing his support for President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 elections.
“Now, it is evident that the governor [Fubara] is the one who backed the APP. The chairman of the PDP governors’ forum was present at the swearing-in,” Wike concluded.
