A new phase in the political battle for control of Rivers State unfolded yesterday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara abruptly dissolved the State Executive Council, a move widely interpreted as a decisive concession in the protracted power struggle with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The sweeping decision came barely two days after a fourth peace accord brokered by Bola Tinubu in a bid to resolve the protracted rift between the governor and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Monitoring by The Guardian across the state and on social media indicated contrasting reactions.
While supporters of the FCT minister welcomed the development, describing it as a necessary step towards stability, associates of the governor appeared cold and restrained in their response.

Political observers believe the dissolution may pave the way for the reconstitution of a properly constituted Executive Council, with a comprehensive list of commissioner nominees including individuals loyal to the FCT minister — expected to be forwarded to the Rivers State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Since the onset of the political crisis, the governor has operated with a skeletal executive structure, having previously appointed several prospective commissioners as special advisers due to difficulties in securing legislative confirmation.

The latest move by the governor is also widely perceived as a strategic effort to avert renewed impeachment proceedings, following the reported service of an impeachment notice on the governor and his deputy by the State Assembly. Submission of a fresh list of nominees is expected to precede the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to lawmakers.

Prior to Fubara’s action, Wike during his January “thank you” visits across local government areas, had asserted that the political structure of the state remained firmly in the control of his camp, warning against attempts to undermine it. He had also accused the governor of failing to adhere to terms allegedly agreed during earlier peace meetings, including changes in key government positions.

Before the lifting of the state of emergency earlier declared amid the crisis, Fubara had stated that “there is no price too big for peace to reign,” a remark now widely interpreted as a signal of readiness for deep compromise.

However, some residents expressed reservations over the unfolding scenario, arguing that the state risks prolonged instability if political reconciliation is not matched with inclusive governance.

Reacting to the development, President of the Rivers Youth Agenda, Dr. Buduka Waliogba, described the dissolution as long overdue. According to him, the move reflects public expectations, particularly in the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment on related matters. He urged the governor to promptly forward names of qualified commissioner nominees to the Assembly to enable governance to proceed unhindered.

A policy and political analyst, Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, Executive Director of YEAC-Nigeria, offered a more critical view. He suggested that the latest development underscores the expanding political influence of the FCT minister in the state.

According to him, the dissolution marks a significant step in the ongoing peace process, but also reflects behind-the-scenes efforts to consolidate political control ahead of future electoral contests.

He queried if Wike and the Assembly members will keep their side of the bargain and if the can allow be peace finally in Rivers”

” I know that Gov. Fubara knows that his godfather wants to keep him distracted till 2027. That is the only way to get the back power back, but unfortunately nature don’t love a vacuum. The leadership they are planning to foist on Rivers people may likely fail. Politics is not linear. It’s like a muddy pool. No one knows what’s afoot; the dynamics are unpredictable” he said

He noted that Gov. Fubara loves peace and wants to lead and deliver in a calm atmosphere but sadly the man at Aso Rock doesn’t care till 2027 is won and settled.

Fyneface said,Rivers State has become a captured territory and the President appears to be the top beneficiary especially , sequel to 2027 general elections.

Other residents, including traders, motorists and artisans, have expressed growing concern over what they described as the erosion of democratic principles in Rivers State, alleging that political power in the state appears increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few actors. Some of them lamented that the persistent political wrangling has shifted attention away from governance and service delivery, creating uncertainty for businesses and daily economic activities.

A trader at Mile One Market, Mrs. Charity Amadi, said the situation has left many residents anxious about the future, noting that democracy should reflect the will of the people rather than the dominance of political interests.

Similarly, a commercial driver, Mr. Emmanuel Akpan, warned that continued political instability could worsen economic hardship for ordinary citizens, stressing that residents are more concerned about improved infrastructure, security and job opportunities.

An artisan, Mr. Friday Okechukwu, also decried the development, urging political leaders to prioritise peace and inclusive governance. According to him, the current atmosphere suggests that democratic ideals are being undermined, adding that sustainable political stability is critical for the state’s development.

Whether the latest move will finally restore political calm in Rivers State remains uncertain, as stakeholders continue to weigh the implications of the renewed rapprochement between the feuding camps.