Amid the escalating political tensions in Rivers State, Beatrice Itubo, the Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 Governorship Candidate, has called on former governor Nyesom Wike to reconcile with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Itubo urged Wike to return to amicable terms with Fubara, stating, “I’m using this medium to call on the FCT minister to come back to his godson (Fubara) so that they can be able to mend their fences and move forward.”
Itubo emphasized the potential negative impact on the people of the state if the crisis persists, warning that they may not enjoy the dividends of democracy. She revealed that she withdrew her petition against the governor’s election at the Supreme Court as a gesture for peace after engaging in discussions with Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The LP candidate explained her decision, stating, “Because of the volatile nature, the tensed nature in Rivers State. You can’t say you want peace and you are still in court.” She highlighted Fubara’s democratic and pro-worker stance as factors influencing her actions.
Rivers State has witnessed a tumultuous three months, with the state House of Assembly becoming a metaphorical “boxing ring.” The discord between Wike and Fubara led to 27 lawmakers defecting from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in which Wike currently serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The feud resulted in parallel sittings, an impeachment plot against the governor, the demolition of the Assembly complex, and a series of resignations from pro-Wike commissioners in Fubara’s cabinet. Despite interventions by President Bola Tinubu and other elder statesmen, the political turbulence in the oil-rich South-South state shows no signs of resolution.