Political Tensions Escalate in Rivers State as Rival Camps Stage Protests

The ongoing political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Monday as supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, staged rival protests across different parts of the state. While pro-Fubara groups rallied in solidarity with the governor, Wike’s loyalists and reinstated lawmakers held counter-demonstrations, mocking Fubara’s recent political struggles.

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Pro-Fubara Supporters Rally Across Local Government Areas

In various local government areas, Fubara’s supporters organized marches to affirm their loyalty, chanting songs and displaying banners in his favor. Videos circulating on social media showed demonstrators chanting, “Big man na big man, e no dey by size,” a reference to the governor’s resilience despite intense political pressure.

In Eleme Local Government Area, a large crowd of youths mounted motorcycles, singing a popular Ijaw solidarity song in support of Fubara. They chanted:

“No Sim, no network, Eleme is for Sim 100 per cent. Run o if you see us, hide your face. This one no be blue film, we dey play dey play, our face dey show, No Sim, no network.”

The demonstrators also expressed their appreciation for the outgoing Eleme LGA chairman, Brain Gokpa, reinforcing their allegiance to the governor’s administration.

Wike’s Supporters Mock Fubara Over Political Sackings

In contrast, supporters of Wike and the reinstated lawmakers held counter-protests, ridiculing Governor Fubara’s recent dismissals of government officials. A viral video showed a group of youths sarcastically chanting, “Every time you dey sack this, sack that, now how far?”

This was a direct jab at Fubara’s widespread restructuring efforts, which have included the removal of local government chairmen and other officials as he seeks to consolidate power. Wike’s camp views these dismissals as reactionary moves that highlight instability in the governor’s leadership.

Deepening Political Divide in Rivers State

The parallel demonstrations underscore the deepening political rift in Rivers State. While Fubara’s supporters see him as a leader resisting political intimidation, Wike’s camp portrays him as struggling to maintain control.

As tensions continue to rise, the political landscape in Rivers State remains uncertain, with both factions showing no signs of backing down. The coming days could see further confrontations as each side seeks to assert its dominance in the power struggle.