Rivers Ijaw People’s Congress has announced the withdrawal of its backing for Governor Siminilayi Fubara, declaring open support for Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was made public at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okrika LGA, where the group’s chairman, George Sekibo, said the congress could no longer stand with the Governor.
Sekibo, a former senator, said Fubara emerged as Governor through Wike’s political support but failed to show appreciation.
Addressing Wike at the meeting, Sekibo said, “Please don’t look at him and think we [Ijaw people] are all ungrateful people. Ijaw people are very grateful people.”
“That is why we abandoned him [Fubara] and said we will follow you. You have done so much for the Ijaw people in Rivers. Whatever you [Wike] say we should do – that is what we will do.”
Reaffirming their loyalty, Sekibo said, “We are grateful people, and that is why we are following you. We will not leave you because you have been there for us.”
The chairman of Okrika LGA, Akuro Tobin, also spoke at the event, saying Wike had helped many people from the area gain both appointed and elective positions over the years.
In his response, Wike thanked the people for their support and urged them to remain united behind President Bola Tinubu. He said, “It is not going to be business as usual. Allow us to play our game, and if there is any problem, call us to settle.”
