The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State has reached a boiling point, centering on a fierce legislative struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and a faction of lawmakers loyal to former Governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. This timeline outlines the key moments in a dispute marked by arson, impeachment attempts, court rulings, and high-stakes alliances:
- October 29, 2023 — Arson Attack on State Legislative Complex
A fire broke out at the state House of Assembly complex, suspected to be the work of arsonists on the eve of plans to impeach Governor Fubara. - October 30, 2023 — Pro-Wike Lawmakers Move to Impeach Governor Fubara
The 27 lawmakers loyal to Wike initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara. - December 11, 2023 — Mass Defection of Pro-Wike Lawmakers to APC
The 27 pro-Wike lawmakers formally defected from the PDP to the APC. - December 13, 2023 — Speaker Declares Pro-Wike Lawmakers’ Seats Vacant
Edison Ehie, speaker of a four-member faction, announced the seats of the defected lawmakers as vacant.
- December 18, 2023 — Fubara and Wike Sign Peace Deal
President Tinubu facilitated a peace deal signed by both parties at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. - December 20, 2023 — Impeachment Notice Withdrawn
The lawmakers rescinded their impeachment notice against Governor Fubara. - July 4, 2024 — Appeal Court Reinstates Pro-Wike Lawmakers
The Court of Appeal in Abuja ruled that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to issue an ex parte order, thereby reinstating the pro-Wike lawmakers. - July 9, 2024 — Pro-Wike Lawmakers Issue Budget Ultimatum
After their reinstatement, pro-Wike lawmakers gave Governor Fubara a seven-day deadline to resubmit the 2024 budget for review. - July 21, 2024 — Federal High Court Denies Request to Block State Spending
The court rejected pro-Wike lawmakers’ plea to prevent Governor Fubara from utilizing state funds. - September 20, 2024 — Federal High Court Dismisses Suit Against Pro-Wike Lawmakers
A bid to unseat the pro-Wike lawmakers was dismissed by the court. - October 5, 2024 — Governor Fubara Conducts Local Elections Amidst Tensions
Governor Fubara conducted local government elections in defiance of the ongoing crisis. - October 10, 2024 — Court of Appeal Nullifies Rivers 2024 Budget
The court upheld pro-Wike lawmakers as the legitimate legislative authority, nullifying the budget in question. Governor Fubara immediately appealed to the Supreme Court to retain vacant status for the defected lawmakers’ seats. - October 30, 2024 — Court Halts CBN Allocation to Rivers Government
In a significant escalation, a court order blocked the CBN from releasing funds to the Rivers State government.
This unfolding power struggle highlights the intricate tensions shaping Rivers State’s political landscape and the uncertain future of its governance.