Civil rights activist and former senator Shehu Sani has weighed in on the escalating political conflict between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Sani remarked that only divine intervention could resolve the intense power struggle between the two leaders.
Sani’s comments come as the Niger Delta group, 21st Century Youths of Niger Delta and Agitators with Conscience, criticized President Bola Tinubu for his silence on the ongoing crisis in Rivers State, calling it "disturbing, worrisome, and unacceptable."
In a social media post on Tuesday, Sani stated, “Rivers State has been left in the hands of God to solve the problem.”
The clash between Fubara and Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has reached a boiling point, particularly with the recent showdown in the House of Assembly. Lawmakers loyal to Wike demanded that Governor Fubara reintroduce the 2024 appropriation bill within seven days, a move seen as a precursor to impeachment efforts.
This power struggle has resulted in the emergence of two rival speakers in the state legislature: Martin Amaewhule, aligned with Wike, and Victor Oko-Jumbo, supporting Fubara.
Despite President Tinubu’s earlier attempts to mediate, tensions have persisted, with supporters of both factions continuing to clash publicly.
Izon Ebi, leader of the Niger Delta group, condemned Tinubu’s inaction, arguing that Wike’s ambition to dominate the governor and state government must be curtailed. Ebi warned, “Instability in Rivers State will surely snowball into instability in the region. This will put paid to the Renewed Hope Agenda. A stitch in time saves nine. Mr President should call Wike and his lackeys to order.”