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Rivers State's Power Struggle: Wike vs Fubara Over Commissioner Slots

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 6:19 GMT by legit

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Fresh Political Tension in Rivers: Wike vs. Fubara Camps Battle Over Commissioner Slots

The political landscape in Rivers State has come alive once again with a sharp power struggle that pits Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike’s camp against that of former governor‑turned‑senator Peter Odili, popularly known by his nickname “Fubara.” The latest flare‑up revolves around the highly coveted slots for state commissioners, a dispute that could reshape the balance of power in the South‑East’s most resource‑rich state.

A Brief History of the Rift

The animosity between Wike and Fubara is not a new one. Wike, a veteran of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and a former Member of Parliament, was elected Governor of Rivers in 2015 and re‑elected in 2019. He has been known for his “big‑man” style and a network of loyalists that stretches from the urban heartland of Port Harcourt to the hinterland local government areas (LGAs).

Peter Odili, the “Fubara” of Rivers lore, governed the state from 2003 to 2015. Odili’s flamboyant leadership left an indelible mark on the politics of the state, and his supporters – often referred to as the “Fubara camp” – still wield significant influence, particularly in the Ikwerre, Ogoni, and Khana LGAs. Odili’s son, Senator Peter Fubara, has carried on his father’s political legacy, leveraging the “Fubara” brand to push a distinct faction within the PDP and, at times, to flirt with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The simmering tension reached a tipping point in the aftermath of the resignation of a key commissioner – a vacancy that Wike’s administration has been struggling to fill. The Fubara camp seized the opportunity to press for the appointment of allies who would secure their political foothold in the state.

The Fights Over Commissioner Slots

Commissioner positions in Rivers are more than bureaucratic titles; they are instruments of patronage and platforms for influence. Each commissioner controls a portfolio – Education, Health, Agriculture, Finance, etc. – and wields substantial budgetary power and developmental authority.

Key points of contention:

Wike’s camp argues that the appointments will be “merit‑based” and free from “factional” influence. In contrast, the Fubara faction insists that the selection process is being manipulated to marginalize his supporters, particularly in the critical Ikwerre and Ogoni regions.

The contention has spilled into public forums, with the Wike camp rallying at the State House of Assembly, while the Fubara camp has organized a series of “policy‑dialogue” sessions in Port Harcourt and surrounding LGAs to rally support. The friction has also manifested in media coverage – both local news outlets and national commentary have noted a spike in reporting on the “Commissioner slots” saga, with some outlets calling it a “microcosm” of the broader Rivers political struggle.

Who’s Really Behind the Scenes?

The rivalry is not a simple one‑on‑one between Wike and Odili; it is a complex web of alliances that reflects the broader partisan dynamics within the PDP and the rising influence of the APC.

• PDP Power Base: Wike’s governance relies on a network of loyalists who have long supported his agenda. The party’s “unity” agenda is currently under strain as the Fubara camp tries to secure a larger share of the state’s executive machinery.

• APC Infiltration: Though the APC remains an opposition force in Rivers, the Fubara camp has, at times, leveraged its contacts to secure political advantage. This has raised questions about the “factional” nature of the PDP, with critics calling the current situation a “PDP‑APC hybrid.”

• The Role of Traditional Leaders: Many local traditional leaders – especially those in the Ikwerre and Ogoni LGAs – have signalled a preference for the Fubara camp, citing historic grievances and the need for greater representation in state ministries.

Implications for the State and Beyond

The political tug‑of‑war has serious implications for governance, development, and the upcoming 2025 gubernatorial election.

1. Governance Efficiency: With key portfolios still unfilled, policy implementation – especially in education and health – is on hold. This could hamper critical initiatives such as the “Health‑4‑All” programme and the “Education Renewal” agenda.

2. Economic Development: Rivers is a key oil and gas hub. Any political instability could affect investment flows, as foreign and domestic investors often consider political risk in their decision‑making.

3. Election Dynamics: The conflict over commissioner slots is seen by many analysts as a pre‑emptive move to consolidate influence ahead of the 2025 elections. By positioning loyalists in key ministries, the Fubara camp hopes to shape public perception and sway electoral outcomes.

4. Party Dynamics: If the PDP’s internal cohesion erodes further, the party could lose its dominant position in Rivers, opening the door for the APC or even smaller parties to make inroads.

Where Does It Go From Here?

In the absence of a clear resolution, the political tension is expected to continue. Some of the most likely pathways include:

• Negotiated Settlement: Wike and the Fubara camp may negotiate a power‑sharing arrangement, perhaps splitting portfolios to appease both sides.

• Political Bargaining: The PDP could use the commissioner slots as bargaining chips in broader state‑wide policy negotiations, potentially aligning with the APC on key issues.

• Federal Intervention: The National Assembly or the Federal Ministry of Justice may step in to mediate, especially if the conflict threatens to spill over into civil unrest.

• Judicial Challenge: Should either side allege procedural impropriety, the case could reach the Federal High Court, which could order the governor to fill the vacancies or invalidate appointments.

Final Thoughts

The fresh political tension in Rivers State, marked by the clash between Governor Wike’s camp and Fubara’s supporters over commissioner slots, is more than a simple power grab. It is a manifestation of the underlying fractures within the PDP, the persistent influence of legacy political actors, and the growing role of regional factionalism in shaping policy and governance.

While the immediate focus remains on who will hold the commissioner positions, the stakes are far higher – they determine who will steer Rivers’ development trajectory, who will command its economic engines, and ultimately, who will shape the narrative of political leadership in one of Nigeria’s most contentious states.

As the saga unfolds, all eyes will remain on Port Harcourt, on the State House of Assembly, and on the national media corridors that have amplified the drama. Whether the conflict resolves peacefully or escalates into a broader political crisis, the upcoming months will be decisive for the political future of Rivers State and for the broader narrative of power politics in Nigeria.