The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Sunday concluded his much-publicised ‘Thank You’ tour of Rivers State without visiting Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, the home LGA of his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an omission that has further underscored the deepening political rift between both men.
Wike’s tour, which spanned twenty one local government areas and culminated in a massive rally in Obio/Akpor, was widely interpreted as a political statement aimed at reinforcing his influence in the state.
However, his conspicuous absence from Opobo/Nkoro, as well as neighbouring Andoni Local Government Area, has continued to generate intense political debate.
Political watchers say the decision was not accidental. Wike and Fubara have been locked in a fierce struggle over the political soul of Rivers State, with both camps asserting authority and legitimacy.
While Wike insists he remains the dominant political force in the state and should retain decisive influence over political structures, Governor Fubara has been pushing to assert himself as the sitting governor and leader of his new party, the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The crisis escalated recently following moves by lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly believed to be loyal to Wike to commence impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu. The development heightened political tension across the state and further polarised supporters on both sides.
Several political observers believe Wike deliberately avoided Opobo/Nkoro and Andoni LGAs to avert possible public backlash. Political commentator Emmanuel Frank said a visit to those areas could have turned embarrassing.
“Despite having a few supporters there, it would have been politically risky. The mood of the people is largely sympathetic to Governor Fubara, and any hostile reception would have undermined the entire purpose of the tour,” Frank said.
Some Opobo indigenes have also expressed displeasure with what they described as a needless political confrontation capable of destabilising the state. An indigene of the area, Adonye Williams who spoke to our corruption, said Wike has lost considerable goodwill in the riverine communities because of his fight with Fubara.
Williams said: “Fubara is our son. The people here feel emotionally connected to him and see the attacks on his administration as unfair.
“Despite anything, we will stand by him and so it was in the interest of the former governor not have travelled down to Opobo to have a rally. It would have amounted to him being so insensitive and perhaps that would have led to serious confrontation.
Political analysts note that Governor Fubara enjoys overwhelming support across several riverine LGAs, including Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni and Bonny, where he is viewed as a grassroots figure with strong local legitimacy.
Another contentious aspect of the tour was Wike’s selective engagement with traditional institutions. Aside from visits to King Ateke Tom, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri in Okrika, and Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, the Amayanabo of Torusarama-Piri Elem Kalabari, he did not pay courtesy visits to other notable monarchs across the state. Critics described this as a slight on traditional rulers and a departure from established political courtesy in Rivers State.
The ‘Thank You’ tour was designed not only to appreciate supporters but also to project Wike’s continued relevance in Rivers politics and demonstrate his capacity to mobilise support ahead of future elections, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid.
The tour reached its climax at a grand rally held at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where thousands of supporters converged. The crowd included political leaders, party faithful, youths and women groups from across the state.
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Addressing the gathering, an elated Wike praised the Chairman of Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. Gift Worlu, for what he described as the overwhelming show of loyalty and solidarity by the people of the area.
He recalled the consistent political support he has received from the LGA since 1999, noting that the area has remained steadfast throughout his political journey and added that the loyalty would once again be demonstrated in the 2027 general elections.
“Obio/Akpor people are grateful people. Obio/Akpor alone accounts for about 40 percent of the votes in Rivers State, and nobody can toy with this local government.
“The people of Obio/Akpor and Rivers State will vote massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” he assured.
Despite the impressive turnout at the finale, analysts say the absence of Opobo/Nkoro from the tour remains symbolic, highlighting the widening cracks in Rivers State’s political landscape and the unresolved power struggle between the former governor and his successor.