Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-19 05:24:26
In Rivers State, the ongoing feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his estranged godfather, Nyesom Wike, has created turmoil in the Local Government Councils. The primary issue at hand is the impending expiration of the current council officials’ tenure in June 2024 and the uncertainty surrounding the conduct of local council elections.
As the expiration date draws near, the River State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) had initially expressed readiness to hold the elections. However, recent developments suggest that the elections may not take place as scheduled. The Rivers State House of Assembly passed an amended version of the Rivers State Local Government Law, granting the power to extend the tenure of elected officials through a resolution in cases where elections cannot be held before their term ends.
Governor Fubara, who leads the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, has been at odds with his predecessor, Minister Nyesom Wike. The rift between them, coupled with the conflicting interests of the state legislature and executive, has further complicated the situation. Attempts at peace agreements, including one brokered by President Bola Tinubu, have been unsuccessful in appeasing the warring factions.
With Fubara focusing on bolstering his support base through people-oriented programs and projects, Wike has intensified efforts to reignite the Grassroots Development Initiatives (GDI) to mobilize voters. The political landscape in Rivers State is thus ripe for conflict, with both leaders vying for control.
The recent legislative maneuvers by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaehule, to pass bills aimed at curtailing the governor’s powers and protecting council chairmen from dissolution have escalated tensions. Governor Fubara’s refusal to assent to these bills led to a showdown with the lawmakers, who ultimately overrode his decision and passed the bills into law.
As the state government grapples with internal strife, the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming council elections persists. While the State Commissioner for Information and Communication remains optimistic about the democratic process, political analysts and community leaders are expressing concerns over the lack of concrete preparations for the elections.
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) is facing challenges in preparing for the elections due to financial constraints. The election planning committee is dormant, and there are doubts about whether the elections can proceed as scheduled.
Amidst the political turmoil, calls for unity and dialogue among the state’s political actors have emerged. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize governance and resolve their differences to ensure a smooth transition and the realization of the state’s developmental goals.
In conclusion, the power struggle between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, coupled with the legislative maneuvers in the state Assembly, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the upcoming council elections in Rivers State. As the deadline for the current officials’ tenure looms, it is imperative for the political leadership to prioritize the interests of the people and work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
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