CurrentReport Blog In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Martin Onovo, the presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in the 2015 general election, asserted that only President Bola Tinubu can resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Onovo, who is also an activist and Head of Policy Positions for the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), emphasized the urgency of presidential intervention to restore stability in the oil-rich state.
The Prolonged Political Crisis in Rivers State
The political turmoil in Rivers State, marked by a rift between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor, Nyesom Wike, and the current state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has caused significant unrest. According to Onovo, this conflict has gone on for too long and requires decisive action from the President.
Onovo believes that President Tinubu’s direct involvement is crucial. “Only Tinubu can stop the political crisis in Rivers. The President just needs to call Nyesom Wike and talk to him. The crisis will stop if Tinubu tells Wike to sheathe his sword,” Onovo stated. He pointed out that Wike, being a part of Tinubu’s administration as a minister, would heed the President’s call for peace.
The Role of Godfatherism in the Crisis
Onovo also highlighted the detrimental role of godfatherism in Nigerian politics, suggesting it hinders good governance and the delivery of democratic dividends. He called for a purge of godfatherism from the political space to ensure stability and progress. “Godfatherism is a problem in politics. It affects the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends,” Onovo remarked.
The Impact of the Rift
The conflict between Wike and Fubara has led to significant political tension in Rivers State, even polarizing the State House of Assembly. Lawmakers loyal to both factions have gone as far as electing different Speakers to lead the House. Additionally, several lawmakers and commissioners loyal to Wike have switched allegiances from the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), exacerbating the instability.
