Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political stronghold is buzzing with enthusiasm following the recent resignation of commissioners reportedly loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The resignation of approximately five commissioners from the Rivers State Executive Council on Wednesday, citing ongoing political turmoil in the state, has sparked renewed fervor within Fubara’s supporters.
The resignations are believed to be a consequence of the escalating power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Minister Wike.
Reports indicate that the news of the resignations has ignited jubilation among Fubara’s loyalists and certain segments of the state’s populace. Plans are reportedly underway for a solidarity march to the Rivers State Government House in support of the governor.
Sydney Gbara, the spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, conveyed the prevailing mood, attributing the jubilation to the perception that the former commissioners were “moles within the system” serving Wike’s interests. Gbara also asserted that Wike’s influence in the state has dwindled significantly, with grassroots structures of various political parties converging under the banner of the SIMplified Movement.
Echoing similar sentiments, former River States House of Assembly member Sir Jackson Belema hailed the resignations as timely, describing them as “good riddance to bad rubbish.” He further suggested that some of the resigning commissioners had fled the state with their families, insinuating that they had been manipulated by Wike. Belema concluded by urging Wike to desist from meddling in Governor Fubara’s affairs for the sake of stability in the state.
