A growing number of prominent Nigerians and civil society voices have expressed deep concern over the escalating political conflict between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, warning that the prolonged power tussle is severely undermining governance, economic development, and peace in oil-rich Rivers State.
The rivalry, which began shortly after Governor Fubara assumed office in May 2023, has now entered its third year with no signs of resolution. The latest flashpoint involves renewed impeachment threats against the governor by a faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a joint statement released on January 16, 2026, a coalition of concerned citizens, professionals, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations described the situation as “a dangerous distraction” that has paralysed key sectors of the state.
The group lamented that critical infrastructure projects, security operations, healthcare delivery, education funding, and local government administration have all suffered due to the unending political warfare. They pointed out that the feud has also created an atmosphere of fear, with civil servants, contractors, and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of loyalty tests and reprisals.
Key excerpts from the statement include:
“The people of Rivers State deserve better than this endless cycle of political vendetta. Governance has been stifled, investments deterred, and the state’s enormous potential wasted while two powerful individuals settle personal scores.”
“Rivers is too important to Nigeria’s economy and national stability to be held hostage by ego-driven conflicts. We call on all parties to immediately embrace dialogue, respect constitutional boundaries, and prioritise the welfare of the people over personal ambitions.”
Prominent figures who have publicly voiced similar worries in recent weeks include respected elders, former governors, business leaders, and youth groups from across the state. Many have urged President Bola Tinubu, traditional institutions, and respected mediators to intervene decisively before the crisis escalates into broader insecurity or economic collapse.
The statement also highlighted the human cost: families divided, communities polarised, businesses relocating, and a growing sense of hopelessness among the youth who once saw Rivers as a land of opportunity.
As the impeachment saga threatens to return to the Rivers State House of Assembly, concerned Nigerians are united in one urgent appeal: the time for brinkmanship must end, and genuine reconciliation must begin for the sake of the state and its people.
The big question now on the lips of many: How much longer can Rivers State afford to be a battleground for political giants while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of stalled progress and uncertainty? The answer may determine the future of one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
In a joint statement released on January 16, 2026, a coalition of concerned citizens, professionals, traditional leaders, and civil society organisations described the situation as “a dangerous distraction” that has paralysed key sectors of the state.
The group lamented that critical infrastructure projects, security operations, healthcare delivery, education funding, and local government administration have all suffered due to the unending political warfare. They pointed out that the feud has also created an atmosphere of fear, with civil servants, contractors, and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of loyalty tests and reprisals.
Key excerpts from the statement include:
“The people of Rivers State deserve better than this endless cycle of political vendetta. Governance has been stifled, investments deterred, and the state’s enormous potential wasted while two powerful individuals settle personal scores.”
“Rivers is too important to Nigeria’s economy and national stability to be held hostage by ego-driven conflicts. We call on all parties to immediately embrace dialogue, respect constitutional boundaries, and prioritise the welfare of the people over personal ambitions.”
Prominent figures who have publicly voiced similar worries in recent weeks include respected elders, former governors, business leaders, and youth groups from across the state. Many have urged President Bola Tinubu, traditional institutions, and respected mediators to intervene decisively before the crisis escalates into broader insecurity or economic collapse.
The statement also highlighted the human cost: families divided, communities polarised, businesses relocating, and a growing sense of hopelessness among the youth who once saw Rivers as a land of opportunity.
As the impeachment saga threatens to return to the Rivers State House of Assembly, concerned Nigerians are united in one urgent appeal: the time for brinkmanship must end, and genuine reconciliation must begin for the sake of the state and its people.
The big question now on the lips of many: How much longer can Rivers State afford to be a battleground for political giants while ordinary citizens bear the brunt of stalled progress and uncertainty? The answer may determine the future of one of Nigeria’s most strategic states.
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Politics