Wike Consolidates In Rivers As Jonathan Takes Position

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and his erstwhile political ally, Nyesom Wike at the weekend showed strong footing in opposite camps in the political crisis in Rivers State.

The two men who were political collaborators in the scheme that put the penultimate governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi out of political reckoning in Rivers had, however, been reported to be out of synergy in their present political engagements.

While the two men have been restrained from openly naming the other in their public engagements, the footprints of their political inclinations were laid bare last weekend.

GWG.ng reports that after a period of political doubtfulness arising from the August 2024 court judgment that nullified the appointment of Wike’s political leg-man, Tony Okocha as APC Acting chairman for Rivers State, that the latter was last Saturday returned as substantive chairman of the party in the state. The affirmation was after the Court last August returned the pro-Amaechi exco led by Emeka Beke as definitive officers of the APC in Rivers.

The return of Okocha as APC chairman at the state congress was witnessed by national officers of the APC and graced by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The presence of the INEC officials at the APC state congress was, however, despite court orders against the congress filed by agents of the Emeka Beke led faction of the party.

Whatever, the emergence of Okocha as state chairman firmly returns Wike as the leader of the APC and the PDP in Rivers State.

GWG.ng reports that the national leadership of the PDP had earlier inclined official recognition to the Wike tendency in the state, a development that prompted Governor Simi Fubara to seek habitation for his supporters in the Action Peoples Party, APP during the recent local government election.

Just as Wike was being returned formally as the leader of the APC in Rivers, President Jonathan tingled at him when he encouraged Fubara to fight on to become the future “General” of the state’s political landscape.

It was an assertion many saw as an open snub to FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

Jonathan spoke at a chieftaincy installation ceremony in Etche Local Government Area, where he called on the people of Rivers to continue supporting Fubara and stressed the significance of peace for the state’s progress.

Apparently addressing the challenges the Rivers governor is having with Wike, Jonathan remarked, “I know you (Gov. Fubara) are passing through challenges, and at occasions like these, I try to keep quiet. I don’t like to say certain things. This is the first time you are holding a top political office. You will face a lot. But remember, nobody becomes a General without fighting wars. Whatever challenges you face now are preparing you to be a General in politics. With your commitment and the support I see from the people of Rivers, God will see you through.”

In his response, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to the former President for his unwavering support during difficult times. He stated, “He has stood by me through this difficult period of our administration.”

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG