Drama in Rivers: Inside The Reason Wike Skipped Fubara’s Stronghold

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, did not include Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area—home to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara—during his recently concluded “thank-you” tour of the state.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from the area told Punch that the former Rivers governor deliberately avoided the council due to the prevailing political tension in the state.

Speaking anonymously because of the sensitivity surrounding the matter, the party leader said Wike’s decision was driven by caution and self-preservation.

“With the level of political tension currently in Rivers State, much of which Wike himself is associated with, would anyone reasonably go to Opobo?” he said. “That would be like walking into danger. No one threatened him or told him not to come, but he clearly made a personal judgment call. He knows what is best for him.”

The source also suggested that Wike’s experience during his visit to neighbouring Bonny Local Government Area may have influenced the decision to stay away from Opobo.

“When he went to Bonny, as seen on television, the turnout was poor. Considering the historical and political relationship between Bonny and Opobo, it was not surprising. That alone should have told him that a visit to Opobo would not be well received,” the source said.

Asked what might have happened if Wike had gone ahead to visit Opobo, the APC chieftain responded, “Nothing serious, but the reception would have spoken for itself. No genuine son or daughter of Opobo would have attended.”

Wike concluded his tour in his own local government area, Obio/Akpor, where a grand rally was held on Sunday at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola.

The event reportedly recorded the highest turnout of the tour, causing heavy traffic congestion along Aba Road and the Rumuola axis as large crowds gathered to welcome the former Rivers State governor.