Rivers’ Broken Peace: Unpacking the Wike-Fubara feud

THE unhelpful – better still – harmful politics of antitrust between former governor Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara has resulted in broken peacesmithing in one of the most enviable states in Nigeria, Rivers State. Rivers State, once a beacon of prosperity and tranquility, has been embroiled in a lingering crisis that threatens to destabilize the entire South South region. The feud between former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara has exposed deep-seated divisions, undermining the state’s fragile peace.

The conflict between Wike/Fubara is said to be deeply rooted in Wike’s alleged attempt to control Fubara, his handpicked successor, from amongst a litany of contenders for the governorship position last year. However, Fubara’s refusal to acquiesce has sparked a power struggle, fueled by accusations of disloyalty and betrayal. There’s no question that the ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike has taken a toll on the state’s stability and development. Recently, Fubara appealed to Wike to “let go” of Rivers State, acknowledging that one person cannot win all battles. This gesture opens the door for reconciliation.

The key steps to resolution in this case are dialogue and negotiation. Both parties should engage in open, honest discussions to address grievances and find mutually beneficial solutions to real and imaginary problems. This will require rebuilding trust. Fubara and Wike must work to rebuild trust, focusing on shared goals for Rivers State’s prosperity that have been Wike’s lifelong ambition, and signposting Rivers as a state of example.

This should be a moment of truth for Wike/Fubara, having been in control of state and central governments at the same time, in terms of collaborative governance. Interestingly, fate has entrusted it on their laps to engender inclusive decision-making, involving stakeholders from various sectors to promote collective ownership of Rivers of their Dream. There’s no better time than now to address root causes of their differences and identify and tackle underlying issues driving the conflict, such as resource control, power struggles, or ideological differences.

For a lasting peace in Rivers State, Wike’s critics argue that President Bola Tinubu must now play the role of a buffer and a stabilizing force because his earlier involvement has exacerbated the crisis plaguing the state. They assumed that by appointing Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Tinubu has inadvertently empowered Wike to wield unchecked influence in Rivers State. In the same token, Fubara’s critics sighted his aberrant, repulsive vuntiness and outright deviation from Rivers State’s and Wike’s ‘Article of Faith’ that bothered on the leadership process and statecraft.

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At this point, those who mean well for Rivers State should be advocating for external mediation, involving neutral, respected mediators to facilitate negotiations and ensure a fair outcome. To ensure lasting peace, Rivers State requires institutional reforms—strengthening of institutions, promotion of accountability – and ensuring independence of governmentality. Rivers citizens must be engaged to foster civic participation and promotion of dialogue so as to address socio-economic grievances.

The people of Rivers State must demand an end to the feud by prioritizing the state’s vested long term interests over personal and political gains. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, it is essential to prioritize good governance, accountability, and peaceful resolution of conflicts to preserve the state institutions as well as avoid wanton destruction of public property, as witnessed from the fallout of local council elections last week.

Going forward, this is the only way to achieve peaceful resolution, contained violence, and escalation of insecurity in the state. Those who are familiar with Nigerian recent history wouldn’t be told the place of the Niger Delta and the arm struggle that degenerated to large scale and widespread violence, kidnappings, and cult clashes that have become rampant, threatening Nigeria’s stability across the board.

The economic consequences of the feud between these two great patriots of Rivers State in the last year have been overwhelmingly paralyzing. Business closures, revenue losses, and delayed projects have crippled the state’s economy irredeemably. Tellingly, the feud has fractured Rivers’ social fabric, pitting communities and ethnic groups against each other.

Urging Wike to fend off his ravaging predecessor in his knowingly pragmatic way or buoying Fubara to decimate his mentor in vengeful zest to appease populists will not help. Peace is the solution. By embracing these steps, Fubara and Wike can pave the way for a harmonious, progressive Rivers State.

Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece via: [email protected]