The political scene in Rivers State is set for a potentially rough year ahead, as issues look to continue between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Despite talks of a peace deal, recent developments suggest the crisis may not be fully settled and could take a new direction.
On Saturday, Wike announced during a briefing with stakeholders from Ahoada East and Ahoada West local government areas that political activities would officially resume from January 2026.
The announcement came shortly after the annual thanksgiving ceremony of Chibudom Nwuche, Chairman of the South-South Development Forum, held in Wike’s hometown of Ochigba community, Ahoada East LGA.
During the briefing, Wike criticized unnamed individuals who, according to him, have benefited from the sacrifices made by others during the 2023 general elections to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergence.
He accused some of failing to openly support Tinubu during the tense election period, while he and his supporters stood firmly behind the President.
Wike said, “In that 2023, it was difficult for so many people to come out to say, vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But we did it, when it was tough for people to say on your mandate we stand. We stood firm and said on your mandate we stand. And to the glory of God, we stood and on your mandate we stand today is very strong. So you are the ones who made the mandate to be strong as far as Rivers State is concerned.”
He questioned those who have recently professed loyalty to the President, asking where they were during the critical moments of 2023 when their support was most needed. Wike assured his supporters that their efforts and sacrifices would not be forgotten or in vain.
While he did not name those he accused, Wike emphasized the importance of honoring agreements, stating, “You know me, I believe in agreement is agreement. Anything you know you cannot do, don’t say it. Don’t enter into it. Nobody can use us to say let me say yes I agree, later. No, you can’t do that. Whatever you have agreed in the morning, you must agree in the night.”
He reassured his supporters in Ahoada that they had nothing to fear and that political activities would resume in earnest from January next year. Wike also reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Bola Tinubu and expressed confidence in continuing their political journey together.
The ongoing tensions and Wike’s firm stance suggest that Rivers State’s political landscape will remain dynamic and closely watched as the new year unfolds.
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