Wike Distracted With Rivers Politics As Abuja Boils

Rivers State Assembly Invites Former Commissioners for Fresh Screening as Political Crisis Intensifies

In a surprising turn of events, the Rivers State House of Assembly has invited nine former commissioners to undergo fresh screening for their positions. The commissioners had previously resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara amidst a heated political crisis between Fubara and his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike.

The invitation for the fresh screening was announced in a public statement signed by the Clark of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi. The decision to recall the commissioners was part of an eight-point resolution reached during a mediation meeting in Abuja, headed by President Bola Tinubu. As part of the peace-building efforts, Fubara was directed to reappoint the pro-Wike commissioners who had resigned from his cabinet.

Of the nine nominees invited for screening, seven had previously served as commissioners under Wike’s administration, while one had served as Chief of Staff to Wike. Dr. Gift Worlu, though a staunch supporter of Wike, held no position during Wike’s tenure but was appointed Commissioner for Housing by Fubara before resigning along with others loyal to Wike.

The screening is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Rivers State House of Assembly. The nominees have been instructed to bring 40 sets of curriculum vitae, photocopies, and original copies of their credentials.

Commenting on the development, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, stated that Governor Fubara was aware of the Assembly’s invitation to the ex-commissioners. Johnson emphasized the governor’s commitment to honoring the agreement reached with President Tinubu during their meeting.

In a related matter, the lawmakers had previously called on Governor Fubara to present the 2024 budget afresh to the Assembly. Fubara had initially presented the budget to the faction of the Assembly loyal to him and subsequently signed it into law. However, following Tinubu’s intervention, it was resolved that Fubara would present the budget for approval by the legislature.

Security Crisis Deepens in Abuja as Minister Nyesom Wike Engages in Rivers State Politics

The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, once considered one of the safest cities in Nigeria, is now grappling with a worsening security crisis. The appointment of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike as the FCT minister was expected to improve the security situation. However, residents are now struggling to cope with rising cases of robberies, kidnappings, and other criminal activities within the city.

Bandits have reportedly established camps in the surrounding forests, launching abductions from there. The criminals demand exorbitant ransoms and continue to evade security agencies. The FCT Police Command acknowledges the increasing abductions but disputes the reported number of victims.

Meanwhile, Minister Nyesom Wike has been preoccupied with political conflicts in Rivers State, particularly with his successor, Siminalayi Fubara. While Wike focuses on the “political structure” he claims to have built in Rivers State, criminal elements are taking advantage of the situation in Abuja to carry out their unlawful activities.

Data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project reveals that between June and December 2023, 83 people were killed and 146 individuals were kidnapped in Nigeria. The recent abduction of six sisters, resulting in the tragic death of one of them, has sparked outrage among Nigerians. The bandits released their father, demanding a ransom of 100 million naira for the remaining captives.

The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public of its efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue the victims. Former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has expressed his condolences and offered financial support to the affected family. However, he also criticized the security agencies for their failure to effectively combat the criminals despite the technological resources at their disposal.

Concerned Nigerians are calling for a reevaluation of the country’s security architecture and urging security agencies to intensify their efforts in rescuing the victims. The deteriorating security situation in Abuja has raised questions about the effectiveness of the authorities’ appointments and their ability to protect residents.