By Ayomide Otitoju
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has criticised politicians over the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, describing the situation as evidence of selfishness within Nigeria’s political class.
Agbakoba said the dispute underscored what he described as a lack of concern for the welfare of Nigerians, particularly the people of Rivers State.
“What’s going on is a clear indication that our political class has no interest in Nigerians,” he said, noting that the actors involved appeared to have forgotten their responsibility to govern. “I have not heard in all these disputes that these people understand that they are governing Nigeria, and in particular, the people of Rivers State.”
Agbakoba described the situation in the oil-rich state as “toxic,” questioning the basis of the lingering conflict. He recalled that Governor Siminalayi Fubara was initially a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), yet remained at the centre of political hostilities.
“So, what is the problem? I don’t understand it, except that it is a power fight for 2027,” he said, accusing political leaders of prioritising personal ambitions over national interests.
He urged those in authority to remember that they were elected by the people of Rivers State, warning that residents would be deeply disappointed by the ongoing developments. According to him, the crisis has created the impression that governance in the state revolves solely around Governor Fubara, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and their political allies.
Rivers State has been mired in a prolonged political crisis, with Governor Fubara locked in a standoff with members of the State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike.
Last Thursday, the lawmakers, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, formally initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice signed by 26 legislators, detailing allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The allegations include extra-budgetary spending of more than ₦800 billion without legislative approval, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged defiance of Supreme Court rulings on legislative autonomy.
A separate notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of conniving in unconstitutional expenditures.
