- PDP governors convene an emergency meeting to mediate and resolve the escalating tension between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike in Rivers State
- The situation worsened after arsonists attacked the state house of assembly, fueling the ongoing political crisis in the state
In response to the looming threat of impeachment facing Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State, members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who are governors, have organized an emergency meeting. The primary objective of this meeting is to mediate and seek a resolution to the escalating tension between Governor Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who is also his predecessor.
A source with knowledge of the situation informed Daily Trust that PDP governors are deeply concerned about the unfolding events in Rivers State and are determined to find a lasting solution to the crisis.
The source explained, “The governors are really surprised at what is happening; they are unhappy and want to discuss within themselves and find a solution to the problem. Rivers is a PDP state, even though the FCT minister is working with President Tinubu; he is still a member of the PDP. I believe that is why they want to meet immediately.”
The rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike has been escalating, and the situation took a significant turn when unidentified arsonists attacked the state house of assembly, setting fire to its hallowed chamber. It should be noted that Wike played a pivotal role in Fubara’s emergence as the governor of Rivers State on March 18, 2023.
While the precise cause of their conflict has not been publicly disclosed, sources close to the governor have indicated that Wike’s overbearing influence on Fubara has reached an intolerable level. Before the arson attack on the assembly, the two politicians had been avoiding each other. The incident involving the arsonists was the climax of their ongoing tensions.
These suspected arsonists gained access to the assembly chamber and set it ablaze, seemingly as an attempt to thwart the alleged impeachment plot against the governor. Fortunately, a swift response from the fire service prevented the fire from spreading throughout the entire assembly complex. The emergency meeting of PDP governors aims to address and defuse the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.