With loyalists securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for the August 30 local government elections in Rivers State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appears to have reclaimed dominance over the state’s grassroots political machinery — the very arena of his bitter rift with Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The PDP’s campaign launch in Port Harcourt on Wednesday turned into a public show of allegiance to the former governor, as party chairperson Aaron Chukwuemeka and suspended House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule showered praises on Wike.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank our leader, Mr Wike, who has made this flag-off today a success,” Chukwuemeka declared. Amaewhule, flanked by 26 pro-Wike lawmakers, echoed the sentiment, calling Wike “our political leader, our father.”
Notably absent were Governor Fubara and his loyalists, save for a campaign backdrop featuring his image.
Wike’s control extends beyond the PDP, as Rivers APC chairperson Tony Okocha — also a staunch ally — is firmly in his camp.
Wike handpicked Fubara as his successor in 2023, but the alliance collapsed within five months, splitting the 32-member Assembly into 27 pro-Wike members and just four loyal to the governor.
The feud, which has resisted presidential peace interventions, spiralled into court battles after the pro-Wike lawmakers defected to the APC.
In defiance, Fubara conducted local government elections that installed his allies across the 23 councils — a short-lived victory.
In a decisive ruling, the Supreme Court nullified the polls, reinstated the pro-Wike lawmakers, invalidated the governor’s appropriation bill, and ordered a freeze on federal allocations to the state until Fubara presents a budget to the restored Assembly.
‘
‘Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
Leave a comment