Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State has initiated a series of strategic maneuvers aimed at diminishing the political dominance of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, in the state, and early indications suggest his efforts are yielding results.
Initially, four lawmakers aligned with Governor Fubara diverged from the 32-member Rivers State House of Assembly, electing their own Speaker, Oko Jumbo, thereby signaling a break from the majority.
Subsequently, Speaker Oko Jumbo secured a court order affirming him and three others as the legitimate members of the assembly, leading to the declaration of vacant seats held by dissenting members. Notably, one member, Edison Ehie, resigned to assume the role of Chief of Staff to Governor Fubara, indicating a coordinated strategy between the two.
Governor Fubara then issued an executive order relocating the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Government House, thereby exerting control over the legislative proceedings and security arrangements.
In a further bid to weaken Wike’s influence over local government structures, Governor Fubara directed the heads of personnel in all 23 local government areas to furnish him with comprehensive lists and details of all employees. This directive, aimed at identifying and removing political appointees loyal to Wike from the payroll, underscores Fubara’s determination to centralize control.
According to @PIDOMNIGERIA, an online source known for favoring Fubara’s perspective, the governor intends to directly pay salaries to workers, bypassing local government authorities loyal to Wike. This move not only aims to undermine the influence of current local government chairmen aligned with Wike but also solidifies Fubara’s authority as the executive governor of Rivers State.
In essence, these strategic maneuvers illustrate Fubara’s concerted efforts to consolidate power and assert his authority over the political landscape of Rivers State, challenging the entrenched influence of his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
