“No One Can Push Us Out of Rivers Politics” — Wike

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has said no political force can edge him or his supporters out of Rivers State politics, insisting that their role in the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023 remains central to current political alignments in the state.

Speaking in Port Harcourt during a thank-you visit to Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Wike said attempts by political actors to sideline those who backed Tinubu from the outset would not succeed. His remarks come amid rising tension over impeachment moves against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu by a majority of the State House of Assembly.

Wike recalled that Rivers voters stood by him and his political structure to support Tinubu against strong opposition in 2023. He said it was unacceptable for those who backed other candidates at the time to now claim leadership of the ruling political agenda in the state.

According to him, political commitment should be recognised, adding that loyalty shown during difficult periods should not be discounted when gains begin to emerge. He urged his supporters to remain united and focused on backing Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Wike also said leadership is temporary and should be exercised with the understanding that others will take over in due course. He called for mutual respect among political actors, stressing that today’s leaders must allow space for future leadership.

He explained that his visit was to thank supporters for their role in 2023 and to encourage continued cooperation, expressing optimism that 2026 would be better than 2025 for the state. Earlier, Port Harcourt City Mayor, Sir Allwell Ihunda, praised President Tinubu for sustaining democratic governance at the local council level in Rivers State. Ihunda also commended Wike’s record as governor, citing infrastructure and social projects executed during his eight-year tenure.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State governor and APC chieftain, said the impeachment process against Governor Fubara is unlikely to succeed without the approval of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). Kalu noted that proceedings without backing from the party’s leadership would face serious obstacles.

The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RELEF) has warned against the impeachment attempt targeting Governor Fubara and his deputy. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the forum’s Acting Chairman, Dr Gabriel Toby, described impeachment as a serious constitutional process that should not be used for political retaliation or factional disputes. He said the allegations cited by lawmakers lacked substance and did not meet constitutional or public interest standards, warning that the move could deepen political divisions and further destabilise the state.

Toby added that Rivers State is still recovering from recent political disruptions, and renewed instability could worsen tensions. He urged lawmakers to halt the process and prioritise peace, stability, and governance, reaffirming the forum’s commitment to constitutional democracy and calling on all stakeholders to act with restraint in the interest of the state’s future.