The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has publicly abandoned Governor Siminalayi Fubara and pledged its allegiance to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during the minister’s recent thank-you visit to Okrika Local Government Area.
Senator George Sekibo, chairman of the congress, described the split as regrettable but said the Ijaw people remain grateful to Mr Wike for his previous support. “Please do not look at us and think we are ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people,” he said, urging locals to follow Wike’s leadership.
Wike Rivers support and local backing
Mr Wike’s visit drew endorsements from a range of local figures. Akuro Tobin, chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, referred to the minister as his political godfather and credited him with supporting many residents into elected and appointed positions. Linda Stewart, deputy speaker of the Rivers State Assembly representing Okrika Constituency, spoke on behalf of local women and said Wike’s backing for female candidates and office-holders had been unprecedented.
The public declarations consolidate visible grassroots backing for the minister and, by extension, for President Bola Tinubu. Sekibo explicitly pledged the Ijaw people’s loyalty to the president, saying: “We are grateful people and that is why we are following you. We will not leave you because you have been there for us.”
In response, Mr Wike thanked the residents for their support and urged them to continue backing people of trusted character. He described President Tinubu as a man who honours his promises and appealed to the electorate to remain engaged with constructive political choices.
Local stability and a note on the 2027 contest
During his circuit of the area Mr Wike also visited the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom. The minister commended the traditional ruler for maintaining unity among his people. He indicated that a decision had been taken regarding the 2027 election and said details would emerge in due course, asking the monarch to refrain from direct involvement in political campaigning while offering guidance when needed.
“It is not going to be business as usual. Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle,” he told the traditional ruler, signalling an intent to manage local political affairs through party and campaign structures rather than through traditional authority.
Political analysts say the public shift by the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress is significant in terms of optics. It offers Mr Wike visible local backing in a state where intra-party tensions have been pronounced. The move may also strengthen the minister’s position as he continues to wield influence on federal and regional political matters.
For now, the declarations reflect a consolidation of local support for Mr Wike and President Tinubu, though the longer-term implications will depend on how relationships between the minister, state leadership and local institutions evolve ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways:
- Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress declares it is abandoning Governor Siminalayi Fubara and pledging support to Minister Nyesom Wike.
- The move reinforces Wike Rivers support and signals local alignment with President Bola Tinubu.
- Local council leaders and women’s representatives praised Wike for his support to the area and promised continued backing.
