The crisis in Rivers State stems from a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. While Wike is believed to have played a significant role in Fubara’s rise to power, tensions arose as Fubara’s supporters accused Wike of imposing excessive demands that hindered the governor’s ability to govern effectively. Conversely, Wike’s camp has accused Fubara of turning his back on his former benefactor and supporters.
In August, Wike’s faction regained control of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a congress that Fubara’s faction chose to boycott. Although Fubara remains in the PDP, he directed his supporters to register with the lesser-known Action People’s Party (APP) in preparation for the recent local government elections in Rivers State.
An Abuja High Court, led by Justice Peter Lifu, issued a controversial order prohibiting police and state agencies from providing security for the October 5, 2024, local government elections, which aligned with Wike’s faction’s intentions to boycott. Nevertheless, Governor Fubara opted to follow a counter order from the State High Court that authorized the elections.
Despite protests from Wike’s camp, the elections proceeded without police presence, which had sealed off local government secretariats, seemingly complying with the Abuja court’s order. Pro-Fubara APP candidates won 22 out of 23 seats and were sworn in shortly afterward.
Following the elections, armed hoodlums wreaked havoc across the state, resulting in initial reports of five fatalities and the destruction of local government headquarters in Eleme, Emohua, Ikwerre, and Etche. The police, having initially retreated, only returned to restore order after President Bola Tinubu intervened.
This situation reflects a significant failure on the part of both the Nigeria Police Force, under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, and the judiciary to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities. It raises serious concerns about how a judge could prevent the police from maintaining law and order in such a volatile environment.
We urge Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to uphold her commitment to combatting corruption and addressing conflicting court orders. Additionally, IGP Egbetokun must be held accountable for his failure to execute his duties, which contributed to an environment where crime could flourish.
This failure of government agencies to enforce the law is unacceptable, and there must be consequences for such misconduct.