The political cauldron in Rivers State has once again reached a boiling point. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s recent decision to appoint administrators for all 23 local government areas (LGAs) and members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)—despite a subsisting court order—has sparked widespread outrage, legal debate, and further deepened the already toxic political atmosphere in the state.
But this move is not just a standalone political maneuver—it is a flashpoint in a protracted and increasingly bitter power struggle between Fubara and his former political godfather, ex-governor Nyesom Wike.
The Genesis: A Fallout of Godfather Politics
Siminalayi Fubara did not emerge in Rivers politics as a grassroots politician but was largely brought into prominence by Nyesom Wike, the former governor who championed his candidacy for the 2023 governorship election. Many believed Fubara was chosen precisely because he was perceived as loyal and unlikely to challenge Wike’s political dominance.
However, soon after taking office, it became clear that Fubara was not content to play second fiddle. Tensions between the two leaders escalated over control of the state’s political machinery. What began as subtle power plays soon turned into an all-out political war—culminating in an attempt by Wike loyalists in the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Fubara.
The governor responded by taking bold (and controversial) countermeasures, including the demolition of the state assembly complex to disrupt legislative activities, while a faction of the lawmakers aligned with him claimed legitimacy. In December 2023, a peace deal reportedly brokered by President Bola Tinubu temporarily calmed the storm but did little to address the underlying power dynamics.
The Flashpoint: Defiance of a Court Order
Fast-forward to April 2025, and Governor Fubara has taken a step that many legal and political observers consider a dangerous escalation. Amid ongoing legal battles over the tenure of local government chairpersons—many of whom are seen as Wike loyalists—Fubara sacked them and appointed caretaker administrators across all LGAs.
Simultaneously, he dissolved the existing RSIEC board, which was also believed to be packed with Wike allies, and installed a new set of officials. These moves, coming in open defiance of an existing court order prohibiting such changes, have triggered a legal and constitutional firestorm.
Legal and Constitutional Implications
- Erosion of Judicial Authority
Governance in a democracy rests on the rule of law, and the judiciary is its guardian. When a sitting governor disregards a court order, it sends a dangerous message—that the executive can operate above the law. This undermines public confidence in the judiciary and sets a worrying precedent for other states.
- Assault on Local Government Autonomy
Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the existence of democratically elected local government councils. By replacing elected officials with appointed administrators—especially without due process—the governor is in breach of this constitutional mandate. This continues a troubling trend in Nigerian federalism, where state governors routinely subvert local government autonomy for political control.
- Politicization of Electoral Bodies
RSIEC, by law, is supposed to function independently to organize credible local government elections. Fubara’s abrupt dissolution of the commission and appointment of new members further politicizes an institution meant to be impartial. It raises questions about the credibility of any elections that might follow and whether these moves are simply designed to install loyalists in power ahead of future political contests.
Political Implications: A State on the Brink
These actions have intensified political polarization in Rivers State. The Wike faction, emboldened by the federal presence (with Wike currently serving as FCT Minister under President Tinubu), has accused Fubara of dictatorship and lawlessness. Meanwhile, Fubara’s supporters argue that the governor is reclaiming control from an overbearing predecessor who refused to let go of power.
The political chess game is no longer just about loyalty—it is about who holds real power in Rivers State. The entire saga has national implications for intra-party democracy within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is now caught in the crossfire of its own leading figures.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond the high drama lies a state whose governance and development are now hostage to political egos. With the House of Assembly in disarray, the local governments in limbo, and the electoral commission in transition, key policy decisions, budgetary approvals, and service delivery are being delayed or politicized.
Citizens of Rivers State are increasingly anxious. Many are asking: how long can the state remain in this limbo? When will political leaders prioritize governance over personal vendettas?
Conclusion: The Need for Dialogue and Restraint 
Governor Fubara’s move to appoint administrators and electoral officers in defiance of a court order may appear, on the surface, as a bid to assert independence and break from the grip of a political godfather. However, his methods—especially ignoring judicial directives—risk undermining the very democratic institutions he seeks to protect from external control.
This crisis is a test of Nigeria’s democracy at the subnational level. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked godfatherism, the abuse of executive powers, and the fragility of state institutions when personal interests eclipse public service.
Only through genuine dialogue, legal adherence, and institutional reforms can Rivers State find its way out of the current quagmire. Until then, the people—caught between two feuding power blocs—will continue to pay the highest price.
