Wike Ridicules Rivers Governor’s Camp for Choosing APP Amid Political Crisis

In a sharp rebuke of recent political developments in Rivers State, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, took aim at the faction led by Rivers Governor Siminialayi Fubara. The camp has chosen the All Peoples Party (APP) as its preferred political platform amidst the ongoing political crisis in the state. Wike expressed his disbelief and disdain for the decision, questioning how Rivers, a state once considered a stronghold for major political parties, could sink to the level of adopting a relatively obscure platform like the APP.

Wike voiced his sentiments on Saturday during a civic reception held in his honor by the Ijaw people in Rivers State. The event, which took place at Amadi-Ama in Abuloma, Okirika Local Government Area, was organized by the Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), a group comprising influential Ijaw leaders, traditional rulers, and politicians from Ijaw-dominated local government areas. The gathering aimed to celebrate Wike’s contributions to the state and the Ijaw people, but it also provided the former Rivers Governor with a platform to address the ongoing tensions within Rivers State’s political landscape.

During his address, Wike did not hold back in expressing his disappointment over the decision by Fubara’s camp to align with the APP. “When did Rivers State degenerate to the point where the APP is considered a viable political party?” Wike asked rhetorically, clearly critical of the choice. His remarks echoed a broader sentiment of frustration over what he perceives as a lowering of political standards in the state.

Wike’s comments have further deepened the divide between him and Governor Fubara, whose relationship has been fraught with tension in recent months. The decision to shift political allegiances comes amid a period of uncertainty and political realignment in Rivers, with various factions within the state seeking new platforms to advance their interests.

As the crisis continues, Wike’s stinging critique highlights the growing fragmentation in Rivers State politics, with the potential to further reshape the political landscape ahead of upcoming elections.