The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has formally announced the withdrawal of its support for the incumbent Governor, Siminilayi Fubara. The influential group has instead pledged its total allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The declaration was made on Saturday in the Okrika Local Government Area during a “thank you” visit by Mr Wike to the community. This development serves as the latest escalation in a protracted and bitter dispute between the Minister, who is a former Governor of the state and his successor, Mr Fubara. The rift, which became public less than six months into the Governor’s tenure, continues to reshape political loyalties across the region.
Addressing a gathering of supporters, the Chairman of the Congress, Senator George Sekibo, formally articulated the change in stance. He described the ongoing friction between the Governor and the Minister as “very unfortunate,” yet emphasised that the Ijaw people would not be perceived as “ungrateful.”
Senator Sekibo underscored the pivotal role Mr Wike played in facilitating Mr Fubara’s ascent to the governorship, noting that the Governor had enjoyed substantial cross-state backing at the time.
“Please do not look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people,” Senator Sekibo remarked. “That is why we have abandoned him [Fubara] and said we shall follow you. You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do, is what we will do.”
The Senator further reaffirmed the Congress’s steadfast loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, assuring the Minister of the community’s continued cooperation with the federal administration.
The shift follows the recent collapse of a political structure previously led by Nname Ewor, an ally of Governor Fubara, further suggesting a consolidation of power within the Wike faction.
Local leaders in Okrika echoed the Senator’s sentiments. Akuro Tobin, the Chairman of the Okrika Local Government Council, described Mr Wike as his “political godfather,” citing the Minister’s historical support for local candidates in securing elective and appointive offices. Similarly, the Deputy Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, representing the women of Okrika, lauded Mr Wike’s “unprecedented” support for women in governance.
Responding to the outpouring of support, Mr Wike expressed his gratitude to the people of Okrika for their steadfastness and their continued faith in President Tinubu’s leadership. He characterised the President as a leader of integrity who remains committed to his promises.
During a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, the Minister praised the monarch for maintaining communal unity but hinted that strategic political manoeuvres are already underway.
“It is not going to be business as usual,” Mr Wike stated, referring to the 2027 electoral cycle. “Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle.”
He advised the traditional ruler to remain an arbiter of peace rather than a direct participant in political activity. As the political divide in Rivers State deepens, this realignment by the Ijaw Congress marks a challenging chapter for the Fubara administration, which now faces an increasingly unified opposition within its own borders.
