Rivers State has been making headlines recently due to the escalating conflict between former governor Nyesom Wike and current Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The tension, which intensified around the local government elections, has drawn public attention as Wike called on Fubara to adhere to court rulings for the sake of peace.

Wike emphasized, “There is peace when you obey the rule of law. There is peace when you obey court judgements.” His remarks came amid a volatile period in Rivers State, where disagreements between the two leaders have led to unrest following the local elections.

The dispute escalated when a court ruling ordered the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) not to provide security for the elections, and instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold the voter register from the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Despite this, Governor Fubara’s administration proceeded with the election on Saturday, leading to the swearing-in of chairpersons and councillors on Monday, which in turn triggered violent incidents across the state, including the burning of three local government secretariats.

ALSO READ: Wike’s Influence in Lokpobiri’s Appointment as Petroleum Minister Unveiled

In response to the violence, Governor Fubara promised to find those responsible for the attacks, setting up a panel to investigate the incidents. However, Wike stood firm on his message to Fubara, urging him to respect the court’s verdict. “Obey court judgement, and allow the rule of law to prevail. If you don’t obey the law, you are bringing anarchy,” Wike stated.

The former governor also pointed out that he had always followed legal directives during his tenure and warned that disregarding court orders could lead to more violence and instability. “The moment you don’t obey court judgement, you are inviting anarchy, you are inviting violence,” he said.

Tensions further deepened after the Action Peoples Party (APP), believed to be backed by Governor Fubara, won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions in the election. Wike accused Fubara of sponsoring the APP while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), their shared political party, abstained from the election.