Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, warning that it could pose a significant threat to the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
In an interview on Sunday, Okupe emphasized that the unresolved crisis could lead to national destabilization if not addressed promptly.
He characterized the conflict between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who also serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as deeply regrettable.
Reflecting on historical parallels, Okupe noted, “Looking back, it is disheartening to compare the rift between Wike and Fubara to the discord between the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola, the then Premier of the Western Region. Though that crisis was localized, it contributed to the eventual downfall of that republic.”
He urged the Federal Government and concerned individuals within Rivers and across the nation to intervene before the situation spirals further out of control.
“Only a political solution can effectively address the issues at hand and bring all parties in the conflict to the table,” Okupe asserted.
The ongoing power struggle between Wike and Fubara has intensified over the past few months, creating significant tension within the state and fracturing the state assembly.
The crisis reached new heights following the October 5 council elections, which resulted in violent attacks on some council secretariats by political thugs.
Compounding the uncertainty, the Court of Appeal in Abuja recently upheld a lower court’s ruling that invalidated the state’s 2024 budget, which Fubara had previously signed into law, further exacerbating the instability in Rivers State.
