Suspended Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have reportedly reached an agreement aimed at resolving the political crisis in the state and facilitating Fubara’s return to office.
Recall that Fubara visited Wike in Abuja, seeking reconciliation and to mend their strained relationship.
Below are the alleged key terms of the agreement according to Vanguard:
The appointment of commissioners and other key officials in the state will follow a power-sharing formula that ensures significant representation from the Abuja political bloc. This is expected to influence the balance of power in the state government.
The formula established for the appointment of commissioners will also apply to all other governmental positions once normal democratic processes are reinstated in Rivers State. This broad approach to power-sharing is likely to extend Wike’s influence over state governance.
The local government elections scheduled for August 9 will proceed, but with the terms of the agreement ensuring that Wike’s interests will be highly protected. This indicates that Wike’s political influence will remain central in the election process.
A major change is expected within the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), which is expected to be altered in line with the new power-sharing arrangement. This may affect the way elections are conducted and further ensure that the agreed-upon power balance is maintained.
In the upcoming local government elections, candidates will not be chosen solely based on their party affiliation. Instead, they will be selected based on their ability to serve the interests of the political figures who nominate them, ensuring that the appointed candidates align with the larger political strategy devised through this agreement.
One of the central elements of the agreement is the reinstatement of Fubara as governor.
However, there is uncertainty about whether Fubara will be able to govern independently or if external political forces will heavily influence his actions.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has come under pressure to reinstate Siminalayi Fubara by May 29, 2025.
Since the declaration of a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, there has been relative peace in the state, but the suspension of Fubara, his deputy, and the entire legislative body has created a political and economic vacuum.
With May 29, Nigeria’s Democracy Day, fast approaching, speculation has been growing that Tinubu might reinstate Fubara on this notable date.
