By Patrick Obia
The political crisis playing out in Rivers State between former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Fubara is beginning to take another shape as the Port Harcourt N195 billion Ring Road project, which former Governor Nyesom Wike initiated has been suspended immediately by the incumbent.
The sudden suspension of the high-value infrastructure project underscores the growing tension between Fubara and his predecessor; a scenario that is not strange to Nigeria’s political area.
Governor Fubara had dismissed some of Wike’s loyalists from his government. The move comes in response to attempts made by lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, who are loyal to Wike, to impeach Governor Fubara.
Recall that Rivers State House of Assembly was on Monday greeted with chaotic scenes as gunshots filled the air after the impeachment attempt on Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed.
The situation escalated when the House ousted its leader, Edison Ehie.
With the governor aware of the plot, he visited the Assembly after the armed squad of the Nigerian Police allegedly poured him water as well as shot at him.
His surprised entrance into the Assembly complex, according to sources, caused lawmakers to scramble for safety amid the dispersal of tear gas outside the building.
Monday’s drama is coming on the heels of a fire that gutted the Assembly complex on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, the suspension of the multi-billion naira project and the political manoeuvring suggest an imminent confrontation between the two political heavyweights, potentially reshaping the dynamics of power and governance in Rivers state.
The political crisis in Rivers State between former Governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Fubara escalates as the N195 billion Port Harcourt Ring Road project initiated by Wike has been suspended by Fubara. The factional tension intensified when Governor Fubara dismissed some of Wike’s loyalists, following an impeachment attempt by Wike's supporters in the State House of Assembly. Chaotic scenes ensued, involving gunshots and the deployment of tear gas when Fubara made a surprise visit to the Assembly amidst the turmoil. This political turmoil follows a recent fire incident at the Assembly complex and suggests a looming confrontation between Wike and Fubara, potentially altering the power dynamics and governance in Rivers State.
