Anderson Cooper’s Take: The Rivers State Drama Unfolds

Fayose’s Warning to Fubara: A Tale of Political Power and Rivalry

Let me set the stage for you. Back in 2023, Ayodele Fayose, the former governor of Ekiti State, gave some sage advice to Siminalayi Fubara, who was just starting her term as the governor of Rivers State. Fayose had a clear warning: don’t underestimate Nyesom Wike, the man who had just handed over power but was still a force to be reckoned with, now serving as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It was a banquet in honor of Wike, and Fayose didn’t mince words when it came to offering his perspective on the political landscape Fubara was stepping into.

Now, let’s break this down. Fayose wasn’t just being dramatic when he cautioned Fubara. He was speaking from experience, knowing full well that Wike isn’t someone who backs down easily. In fact, Fayose’s words were a clear indication of the potential storm that could brew if Fubara chose to cross Wike. He emphasized that Fubara should trust in God and not overstep her bounds. The message was clear: tread carefully, because Wike isn’t afraid to fight, and once he’s set on a path, it’s either you surrender or prepare for a battle to the end.

And here’s how Fayose put it: “Your excellency, my counsel to you: God will help you. Don’t see more than what you should see. The moment you want to see more than you should see, you will begin to see spirits. I know Wike. If he says he will fight you, it is either you surrender, or you look for the trouble to the end. God will not give you Wike’s problem.” Powerful words, right? And they turned out to be eerily prophetic.

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The Crisis Escalates: A Year Later, the Rubicon is Crossed

Fast forward to 2024, and the situation between Fubara and Wike had reached a boiling point. Fayose’s warning, which may have seemed like a precautionary tale at the time, proved to be more relevant than anyone could have anticipated. The power struggle escalated quickly, leading to deep rifts within the Rivers State House of Assembly. By February 28, 2025, the Supreme Court had made a decision that would shake the very foundation of the state’s administration. They upheld a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation from disbursing the state’s statutory monthly allocations. It was a significant blow to Fubara’s administration.

But that wasn’t all. The court also nullified the local government elections conducted in Rivers on October 5, 2024, further complicating the political environment. Amid this chaos, the state assembly reconvened and revived impeachment proceedings against Fubara, a move that was met with both resistance and support from various factions within the state. If you thought things couldn’t get worse, remember the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in October 2023 during an earlier attempt to impeach Fubara. The political instability had reached unprecedented levels.

President Tinubu Steps In: A State of Emergency

With the situation spiraling out of control, President Bola Tinubu decided it was time to intervene. Concerned about the security of oil installations and the overall instability in the region, he declared a state of emergency in Rivers. On Tuesday, he announced the suspension of Governor Fubara, her deputy Ngozi Odu, and all state lawmakers for a period of six months. To manage the crisis, Tinubu appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to oversee the administration of the state. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to restore order and bring about much-needed stability.

On Thursday, the National Assembly swiftly approved the president’s request for emergency rule, although the decision wasn’t without its share of controversy. Critics argued that the move undermined democratic principles, while supporters believed it was a necessary step to prevent further chaos. Regardless of where you stand, it’s clear that the political landscape in Rivers continues to be shaped by the ongoing battle for control between Fubara and Wike.

As we reflect on Fayose’s words from 2023, it’s hard not to see the parallels between his warning and the current state of affairs in Rivers. His advice, though well-intentioned, seems to have fallen on deaf ears, leading to a situation that has captured the attention of the entire nation. The drama in Rivers isn’t just a political spectacle; it’s a reminder of the delicate balance of power and the consequences of underestimating your opponent.