The National Coordinator of the South-South Elders Forum, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, has asserted that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, cannot be subservient to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Sara-Igbe made this statement during an interview on the Sunrise Daily program on Channels Television.
Sara-Igbe emphasized the significance and influence of the governor’s office in Nigeria, stating that controlling a sitting governor is a challenging task due to the immense power and authority vested in the occupant of the position. He noted that the governor, despite the challenges, remains loyal and committed to his responsibilities.
According to Sara-Igbe, Wike’s dominance in the state’s affairs and control over the cabinet led to Fubara’s decision to resign. Sara-Igbe claimed that Wike’s interference made it difficult for Fubara to manage state funds and run the government effectively. The elder statesman further criticized the unusual political scenario where an individual belongs to both the ruling party and the opposition simultaneously.
Dr. Omenazu Jackson, the Chancellor of the International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights, echoed the need for Rivers people to rise and protect the state’s political and socio-economic interests. He criticized what he referred to as political rascality and an emperor-like approach to democracy employed by Wike.
In a similar vein, Timothy Osadolor, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Wike as inconsistent and urged leaders to avoid him. Osadolor emphasized that Wike’s inconsistency makes him unreliable for development initiatives, both internally and externally.
The statements from the elders and political figures highlight the ongoing political tensions and power struggles in Rivers State, particularly between Governor Fubara and former Governor Wike. The situation has raised concerns about the stability and governance of the state.
