Rivers Political Crisis: MASSOB’s Uwazuruike Backs Wike, Blames Fubara for Breach of Agreement

The founder of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has voiced support for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. In a video message released Thursday, Uwazuruike criticised Governor Siminalayi Fubara for allegedly reneging on a political agreement with Wike, which he claimed led to the current state of unrest in the state.

Uwazuruike acknowledged that his position might be unpopular but insisted that natural justice demands agreements be honoured, even in murky political arrangements. “He who seeks equity must come with clean hands,” he said, implying that Fubara’s failure to uphold his end of a political bargain triggered the turmoil.

Citing a recurring pattern in the South-East and South-South, Uwazuruike condemned politicians who benefit from political mentorship only to turn their backs on their benefactors once in power. He argued that political godfathers often play a decisive role in determining candidates, stating that without Wike’s endorsement, Fubara might never have emerged as a governorship contender.

He warned that the ongoing tension, if unresolved, could lead to the loss of innocent lives and cause widespread instability across the region. According to him, the situation exemplifies a broken promise between two individuals—one who fulfilled his obligations and another who failed to reciprocate after gaining power.

Uwazuruike also criticised Governor Fubara for ignoring advice from former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, which he believes could have helped avert the crisis. He dismissed any notion that one governor is better than another in a system he described as inherently corrupt.

“This whole drama is distracting the South-East and South-South. We are not the only people in Nigeria. The situation is dangerous and I speak out because it threatens the lives of our people,” he said. He concluded by calling for a balanced perspective, urging Nigerians not to single out Wike as the sole culprit. “All governors in Nigeria are corrupt; no one should play the victim card,” he said.