The recent political reconciliation in Rivers State, brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, along with pro-Wike lawmakers, has drawn widespread criticism from Rivers people who describe the outcome as skewed and unfavourable to the Governor.
Many citizens view the peace deal as a lopsided arrangement that disproportionately benefits the All Progressives Congress (APC) and further weakens Governor Fubara’s political standing. According to them, the Governor has been handed a “beggar’s portion” in a matter where he ought to be in control, as the sitting leader of the state.
Political analyst, Greg Owunda, speaking from his residence in Port Harcourt, alleged that Governor Fubara’s current political woes stem from the ambitions of Minister Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu, whom he accused of attempting to gain full control of Rivers State and its resources. Owunda described the so-called reconciliation as “a calculated political annihilation” of Governor Fubara.
“This is not a resolution; it’s enslavement. The Governor may have accepted the terms, but the consequences are clear — his political career and those of his loyal lawmakers have been effectively rubbished,” Owunda said. He added that Governor Fubara’s supporters now feel betrayed and marginalized, and warned that the Governor may face intensified internal crises in the coming months. He went as far as advising Governor Fubara to consider resignation in the near future.
Echoing similar sentiments, another political commentator, Onyekachi Ume, described the Abuja peace deal as “deeply unfavourable” to Governor Fubara. According to him, the Governor’s once vibrant image as a passionate and development-driven leader has been severely compromised.
“Fubara is no longer the cheerful and confident leader we once knew. Upon his return, he will face more political obstacles than during the height of the impeachment saga,” Ume said. “He now has multiple political parties to appease, more stakeholders to settle, and countless interests to manage — all within the remaining one year and nine months of his tenure.”
Ume highlighted several damaging implications of the resolution for the Governor, including the loss of control over the 23 local government councils, the weakening of his grassroots political base, and the disillusionment of his core supporters. He also lamented the deepening grip of godfatherism in Rivers politics.
“Even in states like Lagos and Benue, we have never seen this level of political domination and suppression by so-called godfathers,” he added, naming President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio as key influencers behind the situation.
Both commentators expressed concern over the future of democratic governance in Rivers State and called on well-meaning Nigerians to stand against political manipulation and the erosion of constitutional powers of elected officials.
