A significant shift in the political landscape of Rivers State has occurred following Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Austin Tam-George, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, this move has altered the state’s political dynamics, potentially weakening the influence of the camp loyal to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In recent weeks, Wike has been visiting various local government areas in the state, a move that Tam-George attributes to the governor’s defection. The former commissioner suggests that Fubara’s decision to join the APC has eroded the leverage previously enjoyed by Wike’s camp over the Rivers State Government, prompting them to seek new ways to reassert their influence.
The development has led to increased political tension in the state, with Wike accusing senior leaders of the APC, including the Tinubu administration, of accepting bribes from the Rivers State Government. Tam-George notes that this tension is detrimental to the state and its people, as it creates instability and undermines the government’s ability to function effectively.
The situation in Rivers State is complex, with the governor’s defection being the latest twist in a long-standing rivalry between Wike and the APC. The state has a history of political instability, with various factions vying for power and influence. The current situation is likely to have significant implications for the state’s governance and development, as well as its relationship with the federal government.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to monitor the situation and assess its impact on the state and its people. The prolonged political tension and instability resulting from the rivalry between Wike’s camp and the APC may ultimately hinder the state’s progress and development, making it crucial for stakeholders to work towards finding a resolution that prioritizes the interests of the state and its citizens.
