According to PUNCH, the political crisis in Rivers State between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has persisted for 16 months, creating deep divisions in the state. As the oil-rich state continues to struggle for political stability, last Friday’s Supreme Court ruling has added a new dimension to the ongoing power struggle

The judgment has sent shockwaves across the state, leaving Fubara’s camp in silence and uncertainty while Wike’s allies celebrated. Notably, even before the ruling was announced, some of Wike’s supporters had begun celebrating on social media, indicating confidence in the court’s decision.

Previously, five cases related to the crisis were before the Supreme Court, with one dismissed earlier. The remaining four cases focused on the Rivers State House of Assembly’s legal battles against the state government, governor, and other entities. When the court finally ruled, it effectively dismantled Fubara’s political structure by invalidating the October 5, 2024, local government elections, weakening his influence over the state legislature, and confirming the suspension of federal allocations to the state.

With the Supreme Court ruling in favor of Wike’s camp, fears of an impeachment move against Fubara have intensified. The reinstated 27 lawmakers, who had been sidelined for months, are reportedly preparing to take decisive action against the governor. Many believe that these legislators, acting under Wike’s influence, will move swiftly to remove Fubara from office.

Sources suggest that the lawmakers may first target the Attorney General, particularly following the suspension of the three-member Victor Oko-Jumbo Assembly. Wike himself had allegedly declared that Fubara’s commissioners and Assembly members were no longer in office, implying that the Attorney General could also face removal.

In response to the Supreme Court decision, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, urged calm, stating that the legal battle was not yet over. He noted that the court did not address the issue of defection, which left many questions unanswered.

Similarly, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe of the Pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) expressed concerns over the judgment, accusing Wike of previously boasting about his influence over the Supreme Court. He argued that the suspension of federal allocations to the state could lead to unrest and might even be a deliberate strategy to push Rivers into a state of emergency.

Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Fubara still has a potential legal avenue—the defection case of the 27 lawmakers who switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This case is still pending in the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and was not included in the Supreme Court’s judgment.

Political analysts believe that Wike’s camp may not have the patience to wait for the defection case to reach the Supreme Court. Instead, they might attempt to remove Fubara before the case is fully resolved. Some suggest that the governor could strike a political deal, possibly by defecting to the APC to secure his position and align with President Tinubu’s 2027 plans.

Another strategy Fubara has explored is strengthening his political base. He previously directed all 23 local government chairmen to contest under the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the October 5 council elections, possibly as a way to consolidate power.

Despite the challenges, Fubara has maintained a confident stance. A source close to the governor revealed that he remains optimistic, stating, “It is not over yet.” Some believe that while an impeachment process might be initiated, it could take time, allowing Fubara to fight back through legal means.

With tensions running high, the coming weeks are expected to bring significant political developments in Rivers State. The people of the state and the entire nation are watching closely to see how the power struggle unfolds.