Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has claimed that the current crisis in Rivers State is a clear case of political enmity between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
According to reports, Effiong made this known on Friday, during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ programme.
Lawyer Effiong boldly claimed the Rivers State Assembly ignores the Nigerian Constitution in its aggressive moves.
He stressed their unbothered stance fuels impunity, trampling legal safeguards for political gain at core, this fresh crisis revolves around control of the state’s vast oil and gas resources.
Effiong: Rivers’ Mineral Wealth Powers Nigeria’s Economy
Effiong emphasized Rivers State’s wealth in mineral resources, positioning it as an economic powerhouse.
Petroleum dominates, forming the backbone of Nigeria’s revenue and global oil exports.
This bounty explains the fierce power struggles, as control promises immense influence and funds.
He said, “Let me make the point. I don’t want Nigerians to be carried away.
Rivers Crisis: Wike-Fubara Enmity Masks Legal Sophistry
What is playing out in Rivers is a matter of legal sophistry, a clear political enmity between FCT minister Wike and Fubara.
“So let us not just be talking about the constitution. I think the House of Assembly itself never really cared about the constitution.
“This is politics that also has to do with the allocation of the state. This is a state that is so rich, so endowed with resources.
“We are dealing with a situation where the FCT minister has alleged that there is about N600 billion for grab and he is accusing some political actors in the country of having interest in that money.
“So this is about the money of River State.
This is about the interest of individuals, that has now been elevated as a state affair.
Because what is really the grievance between the State Assembly and the government?
“Are they fighting over the roads that the government has failed to construct?
Is this about the healthcare for the people of Rivers State?”
Tinubu Declared Rivers Emergency Amid 2025 Tensions
In March 2025, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State amid explosive tensions.
Tinubu suspended the governor, his deputy, and lawmakers to halt the chaos.
He appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as administrator to steer the state through emergency rule.
Yesterday’s plenary saw the Rivers State House of Assembly unleash a barrage against Governor Fubara.
Lawmakers leveled eight specific allegations of gross misconduct, building a case for accountability.
They anchored their charges in Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution, invoking impeachment protocols.
This formal step reignites the state’s volatile feud, eyes now on Fubara’s defense.
Presenting the allegations, Majority Leader Major Jack accused the governor of:
- Reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds.
- Unconstitutional misappropriation of public funds.
- Hindering the Rivers State House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties.
- Illegal appointment of persons without screening by the Assembly as required by the constitution; and
- Seizure of salaries and funds meant for lawmakers.
Other allegations include:
- Seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the House, Emeka Amadi.
- Refusal to implement constitutional provisions on the financial autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary; and
- Withholding of funds meant for the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission, thereby hindering its operations.
This formal endorsement clears the path for immediate action against Governor Fubara.
They pledged to serve the notice within seven days, starting the constitutional countdown.
The clock ticks amid heightened security, with Fubara’s camp bracing for confrontation.
The panel submits its findings to the House.
If no misconduct is found, the process ends. If misconduct is established, the House proceeds to the next step.
The House must pass a resolution supported by at least two-thirds (2/3) of all members.
Once passed, the Governor is immediately removed from office.
