The political crisis in Rivers State took a new turn on Thursday as the Court of Appeal in Abuja provided some relief to Martins Amaewhule and his group of 26 Assembly members. This decision was celebrated by the supporters of Nyesom Wike, former Governor and current Minister of the FCT, giving him an advantage over Governor Siminalayi Fubara in their ongoing political conflict. Jubilations erupted among Wike’s followers, further heightening the political tension in the state.
The Court of Appeal ruled that the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt lacked the jurisdiction to determine the validity of the defection by Amaewhule and his colleagues.
In response, the G-60 Federal Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the National Assembly argued that the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers remain sacked, as the Appeal Court did not address the legality of their defection. The Coalition’s spokesperson, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, stated that the court only clarified that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over such matters.
Chief Tony Okocha, the caretaker committee chairman of APC in Rivers State, welcomed the ruling, asserting that justice had been served.
I Have Moved On With Governance Despite Political Pressure — Fubara.
Calls for Governor Fubara to Leave PDP
Amid the escalating conflict, some of Governor Fubara’s supporters are urging him to defect from the PDP, citing a lack of support from the party’s leadership at both state and national levels.
Political commentator Franklin Ntekim noted that the Governor does not seem to have the party’s backing, suggesting that Wike has swayed the PDP’s support in the state. Ntekim criticized the absence of support from key party figures like Atiku Abubakar.
Human rights activist Solomon Lenu also supported the call for Fubara to leave the PDP, expressing concerns about the upcoming local government elections in October. Lenu suggested that the governor consider joining the SDP or Accord Party, as he believes the Labour Party is compromised by powerful forces in Abuja.
In April, 60 PDP lawmakers in the House of Representatives demanded the resignation of the party’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, for failing to address the political crisis in Rivers State. They accused Damagum of siding with Wike and working for the APC.
Reactions to the Defection Calls
Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi, director general of Simplified Movement, Governor Fubara’s grassroots political group, stated that the governor remains the leader of the PDP in Rivers State and has not indicated any plans to leave. Bipi emphasized that the Appeal Court ruling was fair and did not address the issue of defection.
Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, leader of the pan-Niger Delta Elders Forum, advised caution, stating it is too early to agitate for the governor’s defection from the PDP. He suggested waiting to see how the situation unfolds.
Open Invitation from the Labour Party
Hilda Dokubo, Rivers State chairman of the Labour Party, stated that the party’s doors are open to Governor Fubara if he decides to join. Dokubo emphasized that the governor has the right to choose his political affiliation and would be welcomed by the Labour Party if he feels unsupported by the PDP.
Governor Fubara Criticizes PDP
Last month, Governor Fubara criticized the PDP, stating that the party had failed the people of Rivers State. He expressed disappointment with the party’s leadership, stating that they had not provided the expected support amid the ongoing political crisis. Fubara emphasized his commitment to standing with the people of Rivers State to defend democracy.