Following the pronouncement of the country’s highest court, the Supreme Court, on the long political feud in Rivers State, it has become crucial for the opposing parties to change their belligerent stance, and allow peace and good governance to reign in the embattled state. For one thing, the court’s verdict is final, unless the parties jettison it for a cordial amicable settlement. To that extent, it is only proper that the parties respect the rule of law as enunciated by the Supreme Court.

For another thing, the people of Rivers State, having endured almost two years of rancorous governance, deserve a tranquillity that will facilitate their enjoyment of the dividends of democracy. It is incumbent on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and former governor, now Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike to call their supporters to order and allow peace to reign. The political battle in Rivers has been little more than a tussle for supremacy between these two wigs, with little consideration for the welfare of the people.

It is disheartening not only that the situation in Rivers State was allowed to degenerate to the present level, but also that the disputants are still adamant. For instance, it was reported that an invitation sent by Governor Fubara to the estranged 27-member House of Assembly was rebuffed, and consequently, no meeting took place.

Also, it was similarly reported that the governor’s attempt to meet the lawmakers at the House of Assembly met a brick wall as he was denied entry. A lawmaker was reported to have said that the assembly was not aware of the governor’s coming, which was presumably to re-present the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill. These tactics and attitudes can only prolong the discord and tension in the state, with the average citizen of the state being the victim.

In its judgment on the various disagreements in the two camps, the Supreme Court declared the local government election conducted in Rivers State on October 5 last year, which was won by the All People’s Party (APP), to be invalid, illegal, null, and void. The Supreme Court held that the election was invalid because all the conditions precedent that were supposed to be implemented were disregarded by the Rivers State Electoral Commission (RSIEC). Specifically, Justice Jamilu Tukur, who delivered the lead verdict, held that the council poll was conducted in gross violation of Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.

In another judgment, the Supreme Court ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation to stop further release of financial allocations to the Rivers State government with immediate effect. The Supreme Court directed that this order shall remain in force until Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara stops all his illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional activities. Specifically, the court ordered that no money shall be released to the state government until a lawful Appropriation Law is enacted by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

Now that the Supreme Court has spoken, the pro-Wike and pro-Fubara camps, along with their respective agents, should bury the hatchet and allow peace and democratic governance to reign in Rivers State. It is saddening that the personal struggle between Wike and Fubara over who controls Rivers State has not only crippled the state but has also strained democracy and undermined governance in the state. Now is the time to end the feud, using the court’s decision as an entry point to move the state forward.

It would be recalled that an Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, had last year ordered the halt of the release of federal monthly allocations from the consolidated funds to the Rivers State government. The order stemmed from allegations that Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara presented the 2024 budget to an assembly consisting of only four members, rather than a fully constituted legislative body. The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court, which emphasised that there was no evidence to support the claim of defection made against the Amaewhule-led leadership of the 27 members of the House of Assembly from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC); and that the Constitution did not support the position of Governor Fubara to recognise only four members.

The rule of law, in contrast to the rule of force, should reign in Rivers State. Resorting to self-help or force to settle disputes is a recipe for mayhem. The function of the judiciary as a dispenser of justice, a sustainer of good governance, and an enabler of economic growth is endangered by the undermining of the integrity of the court and disobedience to its orders. Democratic governance in Rivers State will be jeopardised if the integrity of the court is undermined and self-help becomes the norm in settling disputes between the pro-Nyesom Wike and pro-Governor Fubara camps.

Therefore, both the pro-Nyesom Wike camp and the pro-Governor Fubara camp must obey the Supreme Court verdict so that peace, political stability, and thriving democratic governance can be restored in Rivers State. Obeying the Supreme Court judgment is crucial for ensuring long-term stability and peace in Rivers State.

Rivers State has experienced significant political unrest in recent years, and divisive rhetoric can destabilise communities and make governance more difficult. Prolonged political struggles not only harm the state’s economy and development but also hinder the function of the Rivers State House of Assembly and negatively affect the lives of the citizens. Respecting the Supreme Court’s decision can prevent further escalation and pave the way for peace talks or reconciliation between opposing factions. By obeying the judgment, both the pro-Wike and pro-Fubara camps would contribute to the normalisation of political power and the smooth functioning of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Fostering peace requires an emphasis on reconciliation, not rhetoric that could push the state closer to violence or instability. For peace to reign, both camps should prioritise the state’s progress over individual or party interests and move forward with a commitment to unity and cooperative governance. This would build public trust in democratic processes, especially among the younger generation who may feel alienated from politics due to conflict or electoral disputes.

Both Wike and Fubara should refrain from making inflammatory statements that could escalate political tensions in Rivers State. They have a responsibility to model constructive and peaceful behaviour. If they continue to make inflammatory remarks, it sends the wrong message to the youth in Rivers State, who may view political conflict as an acceptable way to resolve disputes. On the other hand, calm and measured speech sets a better example of peace and maturity.

Both Wike and Fubara need to recognise that their statements can either contribute to healing or delay the reconciliation process. If they want Rivers State to move forward, they must focus on mending past divisions and building a more inclusive and stable political environment.