The political crisis in Rivers State shows no signs of abating as loyalists of Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu have issued a sharp warning to Governor Sim Fubara over her continued exclusion from key government appointments and decision-making processes.
The simmering tension follows the recent dissolution of Governor Fubara’s cabinet, announced last week, just days after a reconciliatory meeting brokered by President Bola Tinubu intended to mediate the ongoing feud between the governor and his estranged godfather, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Reacting to the cabinet shake-up, Deputy Governor Odu’s supporters, under the Port Harcourt-based association Progressives for the Oppressed Group, demanded her inclusion in the reconstitution, asserting that she can no longer remain a passive observer in a government she is constitutionally meant to help steer.
The group lamented that Odu currently has no Commissioner, Special Adviser, Senior Special Adviser, or nominee on any state board.
They also criticized Governor Fubara’s refusal to allow her input in nominating the Chairman of her Local Government Area (LGA), describing the sidelining as deliberate maltreatment.
Director of Public Relations for the group, Japhet Amadi, told the Daily Sun that the deputy governor’s patience has been repeatedly tested.
“From the time they assumed office, she has never had the opportunity to make any nominations into the cabinet.
She had hoped to nominate her LGA Chairman, but her candidate was eventually dropped without explanation.
“The governor has consistently neglected her role, denying her both authority and the resources attached to her office,” Amadi said.
The loyalists further claimed that Odu has been marginalized in nearly every critical aspect of governance in the state.
“She is effectively a spare tyre since assuming office in 2023. She is not included in many key meetings, does not supervise any ministry, and is unaware of government activities in her own LGA, despite being the highest-ranking political leader from Obite community in Onelga.
“Even her official transport is outdated, while the governor enjoys a fleet of new vehicles,” they alleged.
According to the group, the ongoing sidelining persists despite Odu’s loyalty to Governor Fubara, highlighting her refusal to join the faction led by Wike.
The loyalists warned that failure to correct the perceived marginalization could trigger a political showdown, as they insist the deputy governor’s rightful role in the state’s governance must be recognized and respected.
This development signals a potentially deepening rift within Rivers State’s ruling party, raising questions about internal cohesion as the state prepares for upcoming political realignments.
Credit: Thesun except headline
