Political alignments in Rivers State shifted again on Saturday as the Okrika people openly declared their backing for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, while reaffirming loyalty to President Bola Tinubu.
The endorsement came during a “thank you” visit by Wike to Okrika Local Government Area (LGA), where community leaders and political groups rallied around him against the backdrop of the lingering feud between Wike and Governor Siminilayi Fubara.
At the event, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress announced its decision to withdraw support for Governor Fubara and align with Wike. Addressing the gathering, the congress chairman, Senator George Sekibo, said the move was motivated by appreciation rather than animosity.
Sekibo described the fallout between the governor and his predecessor as regrettable but insisted that the Ijaw people could not overlook Wike’s contributions to their political advancement.
He noted that Wike played a decisive role in Fubara’s emergence as governor and commanded widespread support across the state at the time.
“Please don’t look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people. That is why we abandoned him (Fubara) and said we will follow you. You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do, is what we will do.”
He added that the Ijaw people remained firmly aligned with President Tinubu and would sustain their support for his administration.
The Chairman of Okrika LG Council, Akuro Tobin, also pledged loyalty to Wike, describing him as a dependable political leader who had consistently supported indigenes of Okrika in securing elective offices and appointments.
According to him, the endorsement reflected the collective position of the community, including women and youths.
Speaking on behalf of Okrika women, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, commended Wike for promoting women’s participation in governance and prayed for success in his future endeavours.
Responding to the crowd, Wike expressed appreciation for the show of support and praised the Okrika people for their continued faith in President Tinubu.
He described the president as a leader committed to delivering on his promises and urged the community to continue backing leaders with integrity.
The minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, where he applauded the monarch for fostering unity.
Wike hinted that strategic decisions had already been taken ahead of the 2027 elections, adding that further details would be communicated in due course.
He urged traditional rulers to remain above partisan politics, offering counsel when necessary to maintain peace and stability. The Okrika endorsement, observers say, underscores the evolving political dynamics in Rivers State as preparations for future elections gather pace.
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