Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has strongly criticised politicians over the lingering political turmoil in Rivers State, describing the situation as evidence of deep selfishness within the country’s political class.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the senior lawyer argued that the unfolding crisis reflects a failure of leadership and a lack of concern for the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, particularly the people of Rivers State.
“Well, what’s going on is a clear indication that our political class has no interest in Nigerians because I have not heard in any of all these disputes that these people understand that they are governing Nigeria, and in particular, Rivers people,” Agbakoba said.
He described the situation in the oil-rich state as deeply unhealthy, noting that the political realignments and persistent confrontations point to motives beyond governance.
“It’s a toxic situation in Rivers. First, the governor was in the PDP, and Mr Nyesom Wike was pursuing him. He now bent over backwards, resigned from PDP, and went into APC.
“So, what the hell is the problem? I just don’t understand it, except it’s a power fight for 2027. That’s clear,” he added.
Agbakoba argued that rather than concentrating on governance and development, political actors across party lines appeared consumed by personal ambitions.
“When you have people in power in diverse political parties, rather than focus on Nigeria, they’re just interested in themselves,” he said.
He maintained that the crisis was difficult to justify, especially given the political concessions already made.
“Why would there be an issue? I mean, I don’t support Wike or Fubara. I don’t care for any of them. But if Fubara was elected on the PDP and he was forced out of the PDP into the APC, then what again is the issue? It’s difficult to understand,” the lawyer stated.
Agbakoba further reminded political leaders that their authority derives from the electorate, urging them to reflect on their responsibilities to the people.
“So, could they just kindly remember that they were elected by the votes of the Rivers people? And Rivers people will be terribly disappointed in what’s going on, because it’s as if no one exists in Rivers State except Fubara, Wike, and the political people,” he said.
The comments come amid an escalating political standoff in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara has been locked in a prolonged confrontation with members of the State House of Assembly believed to be aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Last Thursday, lawmakers led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule officially initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice endorsed by 26 legislators, listing several allegations of gross misconduct against the governor.
The accusations include extra-budgetary expenditure exceeding ₦800 billion without legislative approval, alleged withholding of funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission, demolition of the Assembly complex, and alleged disregard for Supreme Court judgments on legislative autonomy.
A separate impeachment notice was also read against the deputy governor, accusing her of involvement in unconstitutional spending decisions.
What you should know
The Rivers State political crisis centres on a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and factions of the State House of Assembly linked to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The conflict has disrupted governance and sparked impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy.
Critics, including Olisa Agbakoba, argue the crisis is driven more by political ambition ahead of 2027 elections than public interest, raising concerns about democratic stability and the impact on governance in one of Nigeria’s most economically important states.
