Fubara-Wike Feud: Amaechi Alleges Money-Sharing Dispute
Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, claims the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is rooted in money-sharing disagreements.
Amaechi criticizes President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional.
He alleges the President’s intervention is politically motivated, aiming to suppress opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Calls on Rivers residents to resist the emergency rule and demand democratic governance.
Amaechi’s Allegations:
Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has openly criticized the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, attributing it to financial disputes between the state’s suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. In an interview with DW Africa, Amaechi asserted that the feud is not ideological or policy-driven but stems from disagreements over the distribution of state resources.
“The fight between the current governor of Rivers State and the FCT minister is about sharing money. If not, what is the quarrel? Nigerians don’t seem to question corruption anymore. No one is asking what the real problem is. Can both of them address the public and clarify the issue?” Amaechi challenged.
Criticism of Emergency Rule:
Amaechi condemned President Tinubu’s imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, arguing that it undermines democratic principles. According to him, Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution explicitly outlines conditions under which a governor can be removed—by death, resignation, or impeachment—not through presidential intervention.
“We are now denied democracy. Rivers State is the only state in Nigeria currently under military-style governance,” Amaechi asserted. “The President acted outside the Constitution. You cannot just wake up one day and throw a democratically elected governor out of office.”
Political Implications Ahead of 2027:
The former governor suggested that the Rivers crisis is part of a broader political maneuver by Tinubu to consolidate power before the 2027 elections. He warned that governors across Nigeria should be wary of potential presidential overreach.
“Rumors are circulating that any governor who doesn’t align with the presidency risks removal. This situation is not just about Rivers State but about power dynamics leading up to the next election,” he said.
Amaechi also dismissed claims that the emergency rule was justified by security concerns, including a pipeline explosion. He questioned why similar security challenges in other regions, such as the North-East and North-West, had not warranted emergency declarations.
“The governor has no direct responsibility for security failures like pipeline explosions. That falls under federal jurisdiction. Why then is he being punished for an issue beyond his control?” he queried.
The Political Fallout:
The crisis between Fubara and Wike intensified during the Rivers State local government elections. Prior to the elections, legal battles created uncertainty over the legitimacy of the process. Both the All Progressives Congress (APC) faction led by Tony Okocha and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Aaron Chukwuemeka withdrew from the election, citing irregularities.
The RSIEC (Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission) was accused of not involving key stakeholders in the electoral process, further deepening political tensions. Disputes over voter registration and legal challenges raised concerns about electoral integrity.
Tinubu’s Intervention:
In response to the escalating crisis, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Oduan, and all elected lawmakers of the state House of Assembly for six months. The President appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas as Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this declaration does not affect the judicial arm of Rivers State, which shall continue to function in accordance with its constitutional mandate,” Tinubu stated in a national broadcast.
Resistance and Public Outcry:
Amaechi urged Rivers residents to reject the emergency rule, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria. He called for protests and legal actions to restore democratic governance in the state.
As the crisis unfolds, questions remain about the future of governance in Rivers State and the broader implications for Nigerian democracy. Will Tinubu’s intervention hold, or will resistance from opposition forces and civil society force a reversal of the decision?
The Rivers State crisis is a reflection of the deep-seated political struggles in Nigeria. While allegations of corruption and money-sharing fuel the feud, the federal government’s response has raised serious constitutional concerns. As 2027 approaches, the handling of this crisis may serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Reference
Fubara-Wike Feud: Amaechi Alleges Money-Sharing Dispute