The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPC) has formally withdrawn its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and declared allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in a move that further deepens the political rift within the state.
The decision was announced on Saturday in Okrika Local Government Area during Wike’s “thank you” visit to the area.
Chairman of the congress, Senator George Sekibo, said the group had resolved to abandon Governor Fubara and align fully with Wike, whom he credited with significant political support to the Ijaw people in Rivers State.
Describing the ongoing feud between Fubara and Wike as “very unfortunate,” Sekibo stressed that the decision of the Ijaw group should not be interpreted as ingratitude, insisting that the Ijaw people value loyalty and appreciation.
According to him, Wike played a pivotal role in the emergence of Fubara, an Ijaw son, as governor and mobilised widespread support for him across the state.
“Please don’t look at him and think we are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people,” Sekibo said.
“That is why we abandoned him (Fubara) and said we will follow you. You have done so much for Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you say we should do is what we will do.”
He assured the former Rivers State governor of the unwavering support of the Ijaw people and pledged complete loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, describing Wike as a dependable ally who has consistently stood by the Ijaw nation.
“We are grateful people and that is why we are following you. We will not leave you because you have been there for us,” Sekibo added.
Earlier, the Chairman of Okrika Local Government Council, Mr Akuro Tobin, openly described Wike as his “political godfather,” noting that the minister had supported many sons and daughters of Okrika to secure elective positions and political appointments at various levels.
Tobin assured Wike that the men, women and youths of Okrika Local Government Area were solidly behind him and President Tinubu, pledging continued support for their political direction.
Also speaking at the event, a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly and representative of Okrika Constituency, Mrs Linda Stewart, praised Wike’s record of support for women, describing it as unprecedented in the state.
Speaking on behalf of Okrika women, she prayed for divine success for the minister in all his endeavours.
In his remarks, Wike thanked the people of Okrika and the Ijaw leaders for their support and steadfast loyalty to President Tinubu.
He described the president as a man who keeps his promises and urged the people to continue to support leaders with integrity and proven character.
The minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, commending the traditional ruler for maintaining unity among his people.
During the visit, Wike hinted that decisions had already been taken ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that the details would be communicated in due course.
He, however, appealed to the monarch to refrain from direct involvement in political activities, advising him instead to guide the people whenever necessary.
“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,” Wike said.
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