In a
dramatic turn of events, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has
announced plans to establish a judicial panel of inquiry to delve into the
governance practices preceding his tenure. This move, unveiled during the
swearing-in ceremony of Dagogo Iboroma as the new Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice, hints at a brewing confrontation between Fubara and
his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The genesis
of this rift traces back to October of the previous year when members of the
state House of Assembly, aligned with Wike, attempted to impeach Governor
Fubara. Since then, tensions between the two political heavyweights have
escalated, culminating in Fubara's decision to set up the inquiry panel, widely
perceived as targeting Wike.
Fubara's
appointment of Iboroma, a seasoned legal practitioner, as the new Attorney
General, signals a strategic move in confronting the legal challenges ahead.
Notably, this appointment follows the resignation of Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, a
loyalist of Wike, who felt sidelined by Fubara's administration. Fubara's
choice of Iboroma underscores the governor's resolve to navigate the legal
intricacies with fortitude and integrity.
During the
swearing-in ceremony, Fubara emphasized the critical role of the Attorney
General in addressing the plethora of legal issues confronting the state. He
urged Iboroma to approach his new role with courage and to defend the interests
of the people of Rivers State diligently. Fubara's remarks underscore the
gravity of the situation and the administration's commitment to upholding the
rule of law.
In a veiled
critique of his predecessor, Fubara lambasted Adangor, accusing him of
sabotaging the very government he served. Fubara's scathing remarks reflect the
acrimony underlying the political landscape in Rivers State. His emphasis on
Iboroma's integrity and legal prowess serves as a contrast to what he perceives
as Adangor's shortcomings.
Responding
to Wike's recent remarks, where the former governor hinted at rectifying a
supposed mistake made in 2023, Fubara dismissed any insinuation that his
ascendancy to the governorship was a mistake. This retort highlights the
deep-seated animosity between the two leaders and sets the stage for further
confrontation.
Iboroma, in
his acceptance speech, pledged to uphold the rule of law and expressed
gratitude to Governor Fubara for the opportunity to serve the state. His
commitment to constitutional principles reaffirms the administration's stance
on the primacy of legal norms in governance.
The
confirmation of Iboroma by the state House of Assembly, albeit fragmented due
to the ongoing political crisis, underscores the legislature's role in ensuring
the continuity of governance. Despite the division within the assembly, Fubara
remains resolute in steering the state forward, leveraging a competent legal
team to address the challenges at hand.
As the
political drama unfolds, the people of Rivers State find themselves caught in
the crossfire of a power struggle between two formidable adversaries. The
implications of Fubara's probe and his administration's confrontational stance
against perceived adversaries remain to be seen. However, one thing is clear:
the political landscape in Rivers State is fraught with tension, and the
ramifications of this feud are likely to reverberate for some time to come.