In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Rivers State, the Niger-Delta Renaissance Forum has leveled serious accusations against Governor Similaye Fubara, claiming that he orchestrated gunfire incidents across various local government offices after the illegal local government election to garner public sympathy and undermine the reputation of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike.
The allegations come on the heels of a chaotic day in the state, with reports of gunshots ringing out shortly after Governor Bala Mohammed’s arrival in the state capital. In a statement issued by the group and signed by spokesperson Peterson Douglas, they described the incidents as a calculated move by Fubara to distract from the ongoing political crisis and shift public perception.
“The timing of these gunshots is too coincidental to ignore,” Douglas stated. “It is clear that Governor Fubara is attempting to manipulate the situation to paint himself as a victim while simultaneously casting shadows on the reputation of Minister Wike, who has been a prominent figure in Rivers State politics.”
The Niger-Delta Renaissance Forum accused Fubara of betraying the very political institutions and alliances that supported his rise to power. “His actions are a stark betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people and the political structures that fought for his victory,” Douglas continued. “Rather than focusing on governance and the welfare of the citizens, he seems more interested in playing political games that endanger lives and create chaos.”
The accusations come amidst a backdrop of growing unrest between the godfather and political godsons in Rivers State, where political rivalries have intensified as factions within the ruling party vie for control and influence.
Political analysts suggest that the recent incidents could further destabilize the already tenuous political landscape in Rivers State. “If these allegations are proven true, it could lead to a significant loss of credibility for Fubara and his administration,” noted Dr. Chijioke Eze, a political scientist at the University of Port Harcourt. “Moreover, it raises serious questions about the safety and security of citizens in a state that is supposed to be governed by rule of law.”
OBSERVERSTIMES recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, condemned in strong terms the ongoing violence in Rivers State over the outcome of the recent council elections, declaring that self-help has no place in a democracy.
Tinubu directed the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to secure the 23 local government areas in the state, following the outbreak of violence in which three council secretariats were set ablaze.
The president charged the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and other stakeholders in the state to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.
In his reaction, Fubara described the burning of council facilities by suspected political thugs as irresponsible. He urged Rivers people to carry out their political business with all sense of responsibility.
The governor, who later spoke on Channels Television, also hinted at some of the peace moves he had made, including having to kneel for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, many times in the overall interest of the state.
In obedience to the instructions of the president, the IGP ordered the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, to promptly rise to the occasion and restore law and order in the state.
But former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, asked the president to call the FCT minister to order to prevent anarchy in Rivers State.
That was as governors elected on the platform of PDP, yesterday, said they were proud of Fubara following his handling of the recent council elections in the state.
In the wake of these developments, the Niger-Delta Renaissance Forum has pledged to mobilize public opinion against what they describe as Fubara’s reckless tactics. “We will not stand idly by while our state is turned into a battleground for political gamesmanship,” Douglas declared. “The people of Rivers State deserve better than a government that prioritizes political theatrics over genuine leadership and progress.”
As tensions continue to rise, the eyes of the nation are focused on Rivers State, where the unfolding political crisis could have far-reaching consequences for both the local and national political landscape.
