In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing political feud in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has publicly lashed out at his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amidst a contentious battle over the stoppage of federal allocations to the state.
The conflict reached new heights when the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, halted the October monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue payment to Rivers State, citing a court order as the reason.
This decision was influenced by a legal dispute initiated by a faction of the Rivers State Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, which accused the state executive under Fubara of failing to comply with a Federal High Court directive regarding the 2024 appropriation bill.
Governor Fubara, in a fiery response, labeled Wike and those supporting him as "wicked" and "enemies of the state," accusing them of undermining the state's financial stability for personal and political gains.
Speaking on the state’s economic and social policies, Fubara highlighted the recent approval of a new minimum wage, which has brought joy to civil servants in the state. “Civil servants are happy with the new minimum wage. This administration is determined to meet all its obligations to the people without pretense or hesitation,” the governor stated.
The tension between Fubara and Wike has been simmering since Wike's departure from the governorship, with both sides engaging in a series of political maneuvers and public spats. The situation has drawn national attention, with security forces increasing their presence in Rivers State to prevent potential unrest.
The allocation stoppage has further strained relations, as it directly impacts the state's ability to fund essential services and projects.
Legal analysts and political stakeholders have urged both parties to seek dialogue and resolution to prevent further damage to the state's governance and economy. Despite these calls, the animosity between Fubara and Wike shows no signs of abating, with each side entrenched in their positions and the political landscape of Rivers State hanging in the balance.
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