Political supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have voiced strong criticism towards Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State following the governor’s allegations linking the minister to the recent explosion in Port Harcourt. These politicians, operating under the banner of the “Rivers Leaders Forum,” expressed their dismay over what they see as unfounded and repeated accusations against Wike.
The group’s leader, Senator Olaka Wogu, described the accusations as implausible, arguing that there was no logical basis for connecting the explosion to those who participated in a solidarity walk for Wike, given that the explosion site was not even on their route. Wogu further urged Governor Fubara to take more responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and properties within the state, rather than pointing fingers.
In addition to addressing the explosion, Senator Wogu touched on the broader political climate in Rivers State. He criticised the imposition of caretaker committees for local government administration, stating that such actions contradict the amended law passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. Wogu emphasized that this move also undermines President Bola Tinubu’s peace pact, which includes a clause prohibiting the establishment of caretaker committees in the state. He urged Governor Fubara to operate within the legal framework and respect the established laws and agreements.
Emeka Woke, the Director-General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and a former Chief of Staff to Wike, also weighed in on the matter. He questioned why the state’s commissioner for health, Adaeze Oreh, had allegedly assumed responsibilities that should have been handled by the police following the explosion incident. Woke’s remarks hinted at a potential overreach of authority and raised concerns about the proper handling of such emergencies.
The press briefing saw contributions from several other notable figures, including Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani, the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; Ken Chikere, a former member of the House of Representatives; Josiah Olu, a former member of the State House of Assembly; Kenneth Kobani, a former Secretary to the State Government; Sampson Parker, a former Commissioner for Health; Henry Ogiri, a former Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); and Wisdom Wakama. These leaders collectively voiced their support for Wike and called for a more responsible and law-abiding approach from the current state administration.
The Rivers Leaders Forum’s strong response underscores the ongoing political tensions in Rivers State and highlights the challenges of maintaining peace and order amidst such disputes. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Governor Fubara and his administration will address these criticisms and whether they will take steps to align their actions more closely with the established laws and agreements.
