Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara is facing pressure from loyalists of former Governor Nyesom Wike to remove Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff.
Ehie, a former factional Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, was appointed to the position after resigning from his legislative seat.
Wike Loyalists Urge Governor Fubara to Remove Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff, Insisting that only Wike’s trusted allies should hold key political positions in the state.
The call for Ehie’s removal is the latest development in the ongoing power struggle between Fubara and Wike, who have been at odds since Fubara took office in May 2023. Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has been accused of trying to exert control over Fubara’s administration, leading to a bitter rift between the two.
The conflict escalated in October 2023 when lawmakers loyal to Wike attempted to impeach Fubara, sparking violent clashes and arson attacks on the state assembly complex. President Bola Tinubu intervened, brokering a peace deal between the two sides, but tensions remain high.
Fubara has accused Wike of trying to undermine his authority, while Wike has claimed that Fubara is ungrateful and has failed to respect his legacy. The power struggle has paralyzed governance in Rivers State, with both sides engaging in a series of court battles and counter-accusations.
Recall the crisis between the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Executive arm of government, leading to the declaration of State of Emergency that lasted over 6months, and the subsequent restoration of democratic governance after long walk to reconciliation between Wike and Fubara.
The crisis has raised concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s oil-rich Rivers State, which is a key contributor to the country’s economy, as there seem to be no true reconciliation amongst the supporters of the duo.
