Rivers State, one of Nigeria’s most resource-rich and strategically vital regions, is facing deep political crisis that threatens to plunge it into chaos.
The ongoing political turmoil, largely stemming from the power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former Governor Nyesom Wike, has cast a dark shadow over the state.
Violent clashes, vandalism of public property, and the breakdown of law and order have become the new normal. Many had hoped that religious organizations, with their immense influence, would play a crucial role in quelling the tension.
Special prayer sessions, vigils, and declarations of fasting have been organized across the state’s churches, all with the same goal: to call for divine intervention in restoring peace. Yet worsened by judicial judgment’s, the crisis not only persists but seems to be escalating.
Religious organizations, because of their doctrines and tenets, have long been seen as the moral compass and spiritual anchors of the society. In Rivers State, Churches, in particular, have been at the forefront of interceding through prayers and fasting during times of political and social unrest.
It is common to see clergies calling for divine intervention, pleading for peace, and urging their congregations to seek God’s guidance as they fast and pray.
However, despite these fervent religious activities, Rivers State remains mired in deep political crises, raising questions about the influence and relevance of these religious efforts. One begin to ask if the prayers and fasts are truly effective, and can the people still trust God and believe in these churches and their clergies? How did we get to this point of political insanity? What began as a quiet disagreement between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has escalated into a full-blown power struggle, spilling over into nearly every aspect of governance.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Fubara has been at war with Wike. First it started with, the rumors of an impeachment plot by the Assembly, most of whom are in the camp of the Ex-Governor. In October last year, the Rivers House of Assembly complex was bombed. And was later demolished by the government. The feud between these two heavyweights has not only paralyzed decision-making at the state level but is also created dangerous fractures in local government administration.
This political impasse, has affected the very people who voted for stability and development. What once seemed like a manageable rift has now exploded into a bitter contest for control.
In recent weeks, this battle has taken a worrying turn as the political war has spilled into the Local Government Areas (LGAs), pushing the crisis to dangerous new heights. Local government chairmen, many of whom remain loyal to Wike, are now caught in the crossfire. Allegiances are split, and in some cases, chairmen openly defy the authority of the Governor, further destabilizing governance at the grassroots level.
The tension in Rivers State snowballed into larger chaos as hoodlums opposed to the outcome of the recent local government election vandalised and burnt government properties. Governor Siminalayi Fubara on 6 October 2024 swore in the newly elected council chairmen of the 23 local government areas hours after they were issued certificates of return by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
Recall, the Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 out of 23 chairmanship positions, while the Action Alliance candidate won one seat in an election held against a backdrop of palpable tensions. The APP LG chairmen are loyalists of Fubara, who has been in a supremacy battle for the soul of Rivers with his estranged political godfather, former governor Nyesom Wike.
Determined to prevent the newly sworn-in chairmen from resuming at their various offices, thugs on 7 October swooped on LG secretariats shooting, burning vehicles, and vandalising properties. They set part of the Eleme LGA secretariat on fire. It was the same in the Ikwerre LGA secretariat, Isiokpo, where thugs burned down the office of the chairman. The Emohua LGA secretariat was rocked by an explosion shortly after the newly sworn-in chairman, David Omereji, had inaugurated his deputy, Patience Ebere, along with 14 councillors.
Irate youths detonated explosives, destroying the secretariat buildings. One person reportedly died in Bori, Khana LGA.
Faith, and the Complex Nature of Politics
One of the key arguments from religious leaders is that prayer is not a magic wand that instantly resolves every crisis. Faith, they insist, requires patience, and God’s ways are beyond human comprehension (Quote Jeremiah) . In the Bible, periods of hardship are often seen as tests of faith or opportunities for reflection and repentance.
Arguably, many right thinking believers alludes that the Rivers State’s challenges may serve a larger purpose, and it is during such crises that believers must hold on even more tightly to their faith. However, critics are quick to point out that despite the persistence in prayer and fasting, the situation only worsens. Political elites continue to engage in power struggles that harm the people, and despite divine pleas for intervention, there seems to be no lasting peace.
This disillusionment has led some to question the role of churches in today’s political landscape. Is prayer enough? Should churches and clergies take a more active stance in holding leaders accountable, or are they complicit in the political pandemonium by remaining passive?
The Role of Religious Leaders in Political Engagement
The reality is that churches and clergies are powerful institutions with deep connections to their communities. In times of political instability, they should often serve as mediators, offering guidance to both politicians and citizens. But when their efforts appear to fail, people may start to doubt their sincerity or their ability to bring about meaningful change.
In Rivers State, the political influence of certain religious leaders has been called into question. Some observers argue that the church should not merely be seen as a place of prayer but as an institution that can shape societal norms and hold leaders accountable. After all, many politicians are members of these churches.
Shouldn’t clergies be using their moral authority to challenge corrupt practices and hold their congregants in power to higher standards? Critics argue that by solely focusing on spiritual solutions, churches may be overlooking the practical actions that could help resolve these crises. They ask whether churches are too focused on calling for divine intervention instead of actively engaging with the root causes of political instability, such as corruption, greed, and the manipulation of power.
Nigerian politicians should rethink.Rivers State does not need a politically debilitating crisis during an economic downturn. The ripple effects of this breakdown in local governance are profound. With political camps mobilizing their supporters, the specter of protests, clashes, and unrest looms large over the state.
The situation is rapidly spiraling out of control, with no signs of reconciliation on the horizon. The crisis gripping Rivers State is particularly dangerous because it risks turning into a prolonged stalemate that not only hampers governance but also erodes public trust in the state’s leadership.
Rivers, an economic powerhouse due to its oil wealth, cannot afford this type of instability. The state’s oil and gas infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s economy, and any prolonged disruption in governance could have a ripple effect on national revenue. Investors, both local and international, are growing increasingly wary of the political uncertainty.
This loss of confidence could delay much-needed investment in infrastructure, job creation, and industry diversification, leaving the state’s economy vulnerable. The people of Rivers State, who were promised continuity, stability, and development, are now the unfortunate victims of this political tussle. Instead of benefiting from strategic governance focused on solving urgent issues like youth unemployment, environmental degradation, and crime, they are witnessing a political war that serves no one but the political elite. In fact, this crisis has exposed the Achilles heel of a system that places too much power in the hands of a few at the expense of real governance.
This power tussle is more than just a political squabble—it is a governance crisis that risks tearing apart the very institutions designed to serve the people. Rivers State cannot afford to be consumed by internal conflict at the expense of progress.
The longer this battle rages on, the greater the danger that Rivers’ development will grind to a halt, leaving behind a legacy of missed opportunities and deteriorating public trust. The people of Rivers State deserve better. They deserve leaders who will put their welfare above personal ambition. As the situation in the LGAs spirals out of control, it becomes increasingly clear that this crisis must be resolved swiftly and decisively. Both Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike have the chance to choose a path of reconciliation, governance, and statesmanship—one that puts Rivers State first.
What approach should be adopted?
Perhaps the answer lies in finding a balance between spiritual interventions and concrete action. Faith without works, as the Bible says, is dead (James 2:26). While prayer and fasting remain important, there must also be deliberate efforts by religious organizations to address the underlying political issues plaguing the state.
This may involve encouraging their congregants—many of whom are political actors—to uphold justice, truth, and integrity. Clergies could use their platforms not only to call for divine help but also to speak directly against corrupt practices that fuel the political crises. Moreover, religious organizations must hold themselves to high standards. They should not align with political factions in ways that compromise their integrity or erode public trust. If the church is seen as taking sides or protecting certain political interests, its moral authority will be weakened, and people’s faith in its power to effect change will diminish.
A Call for Accountability and Reflection
The situation in Rivers State is a reminder that while faith remains a powerful force, it must be complemented by accountability. Religious organizations should reflect on their role in society and explore whether their efforts are truly geared toward fostering peace and justice, or whether they have become complicit in a cycle of inaction. If churches wish to remain credible in the eyes of the public, they must actively participate in restoring the social and moral fabric of society. This could mean using their influence to broker peace, challenge injustice, and promote unity.
It could also mean holding public figures accountable, even if those individuals are part of their congregations. As citizens of Rivers State witness the continuation of political crises despite religious efforts, it is natural for doubt to creep in. However, faith in God does not necessarily equate to blind faith in human institutions, including churches. Believers may still look to God for guidance and deliverance but also call upon their spiritual leaders to take bolder steps in confronting the systemic issues at the heart of these crises. In these turbulent times, the people of Rivers State are looking for real solutions. The church has always been a beacon of hope, but hope must be accompanied by action.
While prayers and fasting should continue, the church and its clergies must also step into a more proactive role, addressing the deep-seated political issues that plague the state. By combining faith with action, the church can become a true catalyst for peace and progress in Rivers State. Should we still believe in these churches and their clergies? The answer depends on whether they are willing to rise to the occasion and lead with integrity, courage, and a genuine commitment to the people they serve.
