The Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress (RIPCON) has publicly shifted its political loyalty, declaring support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and withdrawing its backing for Rivers State Governor, Siminilayi Fubara.
The decision was announced on Saturday at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, where leaders of the Ijaw socio-political group gathered to review recent political developments in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, RIPCON chairman and former senator, George Sekibo, said the group could no longer support Governor Fubara, whom he accused of turning his back on those who helped him rise to power.
Sekibo said Fubara became governor largely through the political support and structure provided by Wike, stressing that the Ijaw people should not be seen as unappreciative.
Addressing Wike, who was present at the event, Sekibo said the congress had deliberately chosen to stand with the former Rivers governor out of gratitude for his contributions to the Ijaw people.
“Please don’t look at him and think we, the Ijaw people, are ungrateful,” Sekibo said. “We are a grateful people. That is why we abandoned him and decided to follow you.”
He added that Wike had done a lot for Ijaw communities in Rivers State and assured him of their continued loyalty.
“Whatever you say we should do, that is what we will do. We will not leave you because you have always been there for us,” he said.
Also speaking at the meeting, Akuro Tobin, chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, said Wike had played a key role in helping indigenes of the area secure both appointed and elective political positions over the years.
In his remarks, Wike thanked the people for their support and also commended them for standing with President Bola Tinubu. He assured them that political engagements would be handled strategically.
“It is not going to be business as usual,” Wike said. “Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us and we will settle it.”
The political rift between Wike and Fubara has continued to widen, with Wike recently accusing the governor of breaching an agreement they both signed before President Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on Rivers State.
On Friday, while addressing stakeholders in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Wike also dismissed claims that Fubara’s support for President Tinubu would improve his chances of re-election.
According to Wike, he had supported Tinubu long before Governor Fubara aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that political loyalty, not late alliances, determines future outcomes.
