Fubara Under Increased Pressure in Rivers as Wike Allies Push for Chief of Staff’s Removal

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is under mounting pressure from allies of former Governor Nyesom Wike to dismiss Edison Ehie from his role as Chief of Staff a move that underscores the persistent power struggle destabilizing the state’s political landscape.

Ehie, once a factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was appointed to the influential post after stepping down from his legislative duties. His elevation has sparked backlash from Wike’s loyalists, who argue that only individuals aligned with the former governor should occupy strategic positions within the state government.

This demand is the latest flashpoint in a long-running feud between Fubara and Wike, who have been locked in a bitter rivalry since Fubara assumed office in May 2023. Now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Wike has been accused of attempting to steer the direction of Fubara’s administration from behind the scenes.

The conflict reached a boiling point in October 2023 when pro Wike legislators launched an impeachment bid against Fubara, triggering violent confrontations and a fire at the state assembly complex. President Bola Tinubu later stepped in to mediate, resulting in a fragile truce but underlying tensions remain unresolved.

Fubara has publicly accused Wike of undermining his leadership, while Wike has fired back, labeling the governor as ungrateful and dismissive of his political legacy. The standoff has led to stalled governance, legal battles, and deep divisions within the state’s political machinery.

The prolonged crisis even prompted a six-month state of emergency, temporarily halting democratic processes until a tentative reconciliation was brokered. Yet, the lingering hostility between their camps continues to raise alarms about the stability of Rivers State one of Nigeria’s most economically vital regions due to its oil production.

Observers warn that without genuine reconciliation, the political unrest could further erode public trust and disrupt development in the state. For now, the fate of Edison Ehie remains a litmus test for Fubara’s autonomy and the future of Rivers politics.