“Political Tension In Rivers State Could Escalate Further If…”– Analyst

In a recent interview on TVC News, public affairs analyst Yusuf Haroun warned that the political tension in Rivers State could escalate further if stakeholders fail to mediate between the state’s top officials.

The renewed impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy have once again put Rivers at the center of Nigeria’s political spotlight, with allegations ranging from non-presentation of budgets to unauthorized spending and withholding of statutory funds. Lawmakers insist that the governor’s administration has continuously undermined democratic processes, prompting the House of Assembly to freeze all budget considerations until investigations conclude.

“Nyesom Wike said, ‘Among the agreements is that Governor Fubara must not defect to APC’,” he said, highlighting the complex political arrangements that have fueled the current crisis. According to Haroun, the defection of the governor to the All Progressives Congress and the breakdown of prior agreements between him and former Governor Wike have created a vacuum of trust, making reconciliation increasingly difficult.

Haroun stressed that while the allegations against Governor Fubara are genuine, the conflict is as much political as it is legal. He noted that the involvement of national political actors, including the presidency and APC leaders, has complicated matters further, with both sides leveraging influence for perceived advantage. The analyst emphasized the need for state elders, former leaders, and federal representatives to intervene before the situation escalates into deeper political instability.

He further advised that closed-door discussions between key political figures could still resolve the impasse without invoking emergency powers or further igniting public unrest. Haroun warned that any mishandling of the situation could have lasting consequences for governance, democracy, and investor confidence in Rivers State. As the 2027 elections approach, he noted, the stakes are even higher, making timely mediation critical to prevent Rivers from descending into avoidable political chaos.