Rivers Crisis: Atiku, Obi involved, not just Fubara, Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has claimed that the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State extends beyond the influence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

According to Wike, supporters of former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi are also playing a role in fueling the unrest.

Wike made these remarks during a luncheon with members of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly in Port Harcourt on Saturday. His statement highlights the complex political dynamics in Rivers State, suggesting that the crisis is being influenced by broader national political alliances.

Wike said, “All these things you are seeing from Atiku’s group, Peter Obi’s group, and some PDP governors who believe that I am a problem to them. And I will continue to be a problem to them.

“In fact, Atiku’s group believes that my team and I stopped them from becoming president. And we stopped injustice. What we wanted was equity, fairness, and justice.”

Wike also berated Governor Fubara for allegedly casting aspersions on the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), OCJ Okocha.

He expressed disappointment that Governor Fubara insulted the former chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, King Sergeant Awuse, and Chief Ferdinand Anabraba.

Describing Awuse, Anabraba, and Okocha as the “Three Wise Men,” the FCT minister said these men sacrificed to ensure that Fubara was chosen and made governor of Rivers State.

Wike noted that last Thursday, one of the “Wise Men,” Okocha, was insulted by the governor.

He said: “On Thursday, another ‘Wise Man’ (referring to OCJ Okocha) was insulted. When the Wise Man was called to the Bar, this man (Fubara) was not even in primary school. This man (Fubara) insulted a PhD holder.

“I am happy I am not the only one this man (Fubara) has shown ingratitude to. He has shown ingratitude to the Wise Men.

“One of the Wise Men (Awuse) was removed as the chairman of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council when he was in a coma, seeking support and help.”

The minister further alleged that Fubara, during a national television appearance, referred to the three elder statesmen as Wise Men who stood for his emergence as governor of the state.

He added, “The Wise Men have now been turned upside down. Yes, he also turned them upside down. It is unfortunate in life. If you’re a bad man, you’re a bad man.”

Speaking further, Wike said he has no regrets about supporting Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s emergence as President of Nigeria.

He said: “In fact, most of you do not understand the fight that is going on. You think it is just these people here? No.

“Let me tell you what is going on. I have no regret at all, and we have no regret at all for supporting President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I have no regrets about it.”