A House Divided in the Heart of the Niger Delta
In Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, home to roughly 7 million people in Rivers State alone, a bitter political feud is tearing the region apart. Former governor and now influential Minister Nyesom Wike and his handpicked successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, are locked in a power struggle that goes beyond personal ambition. What began as a leadership transition has now erupted into violent clashes, missing funds, and threats that could derail Nigeria’s economy, where oil accounts for over 80% of foreign exchange earnings
The High Cost of Political Betrayal
When Wike handed over the reins to Fubara in the 2023 elections, he promised a fresh start free of “godfatherism.” However, within months, tensions escalated. A Supreme Court ruling validated a faction of 30 lawmakers—27 loyal to Wike—forcing Fubara to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill or risk having state funds frozen
Amid this chaos, a 2024 audit revealed that over US$300 million in state funds have gone unaccounted for—money that could have built hospitals, schools, or improved infrastructure.
At least three lives were lost in a March 5 attack on Fubara’s youth supporters during a solidarity march, highlighting the human cost of a power struggle that has plunged the state into near-lawlessness.
Oil Production on the Brink
Rivers State is not only Nigeria’s third-largest oil-producing region but also a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. With global markets demanding stability, even a temporary drop in production can send shockwaves through the country. Currently, Nigeria aims to stabilize production at around 2.2 million barrels per day in 2025, yet disruptions from the feud threaten this target. Energy expert Dan Kunle warns, “We need harmony and peace for the industry to have growth. We cannot allow any escalation in Rivers,” underscoring the stakes for both local livelihoods and national revenue
Verbal Barbs, Court Battles, and Public Outcry
The feud is not only fought with policies and legal maneuvers, it is also a war of words. During a heated press conference, Wike lashed out:
“The moment I hear that, I say to hell! How dare you threaten a country?”
Wike
This verbal abuse underscores the deep-seated anger and betrayal felt by many who believed in a united transition. Meanwhile, Fubara’s supporters argue that the impeachment push is politically motivated. Lawmakers loyal to Wike have repeatedly challenged Fubara, demanding proof of letters and official communications that never materialized, calling his claims “awkward and unprofessional”
On the legal front, court cases have become a regular feature. A recent Supreme Court ruling sided with the Wike-loyal faction, intensifying the standoff. The courts have now become battlegrounds where each side vies for legitimacy in a system already strained by corruption and partisanship.
PANDEF’s Plea and the Federal Government’s Silence
Amid the escalating crisis, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has stepped in, urging President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action. At a high-level meeting, PANDEF’s leader, King Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff, warned,
“Despite Mr. President’s fatherly efforts to mediate, the situation continues to deteriorate.”
Diete-Spiff
He and other regional leaders fear that without federal intervention, the violent rivalry could spread, further destabilizing the region and, by extension, Nigeria’s economic future
Yet, the federal government has remained largely silent on the issue. Tinubu’s reluctance to act decisively sends a troubling message: political loyalty and influence are taking precedence over the rule of law and national interest.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
This bitter feud is a wake-up call for all Nigerians, whether at home or in the diaspora. With missing funds, violent clashes, and a direct threat to the nation’s oil production, Rivers State is a microcosm of a larger problem: a political system where personal ambition and patronage undermine public service.
It’s time for citizens, civil society groups, and international stakeholders to demand accountability. Nigerian leaders must set aside personal vendettas and put the welfare of the nation first. The future of Nigeria depends on restoring transparency, enforcing the rule of law, and ensuring that every drop of oil fuels progress rather than conflict.
Will Nigerians rise above entrenched power struggles and reclaim their nation’s destiny? Or will Rivers continue to burn as a symbol of a democracy in crisis? The answer is in the hands of those who dare to demand change.
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