In a stunning political realignment, the Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has withdrawn its support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara and openly pledged full loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The dramatic declaration was made on Saturday in Okrika Local Government Area by the group’s chairman, George Sekibo, during Wike’s ongoing “thank you” tour of the area.
Sekibo described the lingering political feud between Fubara and Wike as “very unfortunate” but stressed that the Ijaw people would not turn their backs on a leader they believe has stood firmly by them.
He recalled Wike’s decisive role in backing Fubara—an Ijaw son—to emerge as governor, a move he said was supported across Rivers 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 further pledged unflinching support for Wike and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting the Ijaw people would remain loyal.
“We are grateful people, and that is why we are following you. We will not leave you because you have been there for us,” he added.
Also speaking, Okrika Local Government Chairman, Akuro Tobin, described Wike as his “political godfather,” crediting him with transforming the political fortunes of many Okrika indigenes through elective and appointive positions.
He assured that the men, women, and youths of the area stand solidly behind Wike and President Tinubu.
Representing Okrika women, Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Linda Stewart, praised Wike for what she described as his unmatched record in women empowerment and offered prayers for his continued success.
Responding, Wike thanked the people for their support and described President Tinubu as a leader who honours his promises.
He urged the Okrika community to continue supporting leaders with proven character and integrity.
During a palace visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Akete Tom, Wike commended the monarch for promoting peace and unity in the kingdom.
He hinted at a decisive political move ahead of the 2027 elections, promising that details would be unveiled in due course by his political team, while appealing to the monarch to remain neutral.
“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.
The declaration marks a significant escalation in the Rivers political crisis and underscores the deepening realignments ahead of the next election cycl
