In a striking revelation, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has admitted to playing a direct role in the political storm that engulfed Rivers State, culminating in attempts to remove Governor Siminalayi Fubara from office.
The former governor, who was instrumental in Fubara’s rise to power, stated that his move was driven by the governor’s actions, which he claimed were undermining the stability of the state’s political structure and disregarding party agreements. Tensions between the two began shortly after the 2023 elections and worsened as the governor’s leadership increasingly diverged from what was expected by party loyalists.
The friction escalated into a full-blown political crisis, with impeachment proceedings launched against the governor. Despite intervention efforts at the highest levels of government, including by the presidency, no lasting resolution was achieved. According to the minister, the refusal to honour the terms of a peace agreement rendered reconciliation impossible.
This latest admission adds clarity to the internal struggles that have been festering within the political establishment in Rivers State. Observers see the conflict as part of a larger battle for influence, control, and the future direction of one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.
The fallout from this power tussle continues to cast a shadow over governance in Rivers, with analysts warning of its potential impact on party unity and regional development.
