Mr. Bipi was known for his contentious political style during his tenure as a lawmaker under Governor Rotimi Amaechi.
In 2013, his loyalty to then-President Goodluck Jonathan led him to join four other lawmakers in opposing Amaechi and the assembly’s leadership. At one point, he controversially claimed a bid for the speakership.
On July 9, 2013, Mr. Bipi allegedly stormed the assembly chambers with thugs in an attempt to impeach the speaker, resulting in violence and chaos that sparked outrage across the country.
A video captured him punching an unidentified individual on the assembly floor. When asked about the incident, he claimed the footage was a fabrication by Governor Amaechi.
Amaechi’s rise to the chairmanship of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in 2011, contrary to the wishes of the presidency and the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party, fueled tensions with Mr. Jonathan and his wife.
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Award-winning playwright Wole Soyinka criticized Mr. Bipi and the other lawmakers, stating that the Jonathans should be held accountable for the political turmoil in Rivers State. He advised Patience Jonathan to learn how to be a lady before taking on the role of First Lady.
At the time, Mr. Bipi explained that his actions were motivated by a desire to defend Mrs. Jonathan, who he described as his “Jesus Christ on earth.” He expressed his frustration over perceived insults directed at her, stating, “Why must he be insulting my mother, my Jesus Christ on earth?” This incident was captured in the aforementioned video.
It remains uncertain whether Mr. Bipi still maintains this sentiment about Mrs. Jonathan 11 years later. Additionally, his role in the ongoing political rivalry between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister, is yet to be defined, although he has recently been critical of Mr. Wike.
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